New Zealand: View-changing rotating house to be auctioned at NZ$1M
For the first time in 35 years, a one-of-a-kind rotating home known as "the lighthouse" is up for sale in Auckland, New Zealand. Engineer Don Dunick, who designed and built the house, placed it on a two-meter-wide cylindrical steel base on the Maraetai hillside, allowing it to spin like a carousel. Here are more details about this unique property.
The house takes 33 minutes to complete a full rotation
According to a statement by Dunick, it takes 33 minutes for this stunning house to complete a full rotation, offering its residents the ability to "change the view, change the sun, and get out of or into the wind." He further added, "If there is a storm coming at night [and] you don't want that on your bedroom windows, you turn it."
Engineering marvel with independent services
It wasn't an easy task for Dunick and his team to create a system that allowed the house to rotate while keeping essential services like water, electricity, and sewage piping functional. The local council required this feature before approving the construction. Dunick's innovative solution is "the simplest system you'll ever see in your life" and could potentially be adapted to help homes avoid natural disasters like floods or wildfires by moving up and down.
The property has been valued at NZ$1M
The unique property is valued at just over NZ$1 million and will be sold through a tender process, according to Carolyn Hanson from Sotheby's International Realty. Since being listed last week, the rotating house has drawn numerous visitors and interest from around the world. Dunick plans to semi-retire in rural Northland after moving back to New Zealand from Australia. Although parting with his creation is bittersweet, he believes the new owners will enjoy "a better way of living."
Not just locals, people across the globe are showing interest
Ever since this captivating house was put under the hammer last week, the folks at Sotheby's have been recently inundated with the number of inquiries and interests they have been receiving. Hanson told The Guardian, "There is a lot of intrigue from locals and now we are getting international interest."
Back in 2016, this house was put on rent
In a report published by NZ Herald, this plush, three-bedroom property was put on rent in 2016 for a staggering $675 (Rs. 34,390) per week. According to Dunick, the sensors direct the area of the house with open doors toward shelter when they sense an impending storm. The glass walls have water jets that keep them clean.