Would you pay $4 million to live in a giant “sculpture” in the Hamptons? What if it was designed to “defy death” and keep you alive longer? It may look like a demented daycare facility, but it’s the Bioscleave House, the result of years of thought, research, and planning by provocative artist-architects Arakawa and Madeline Gins.
It sits on over an acre in East Hampton, NY, but this is no ordinary piece of real estate. Its designers claim that the homeowners can live longer here–possibly forever! They believe it is “immoral that people have to die.”
The house has bumpy, rippling concrete floors, and walls that meet at odd angles. Gins says, “It helps you cradle tentativeness.” They don’t want you to get comfortable here. Comfort, they believes, equals death. The house forces people to “use their bodies in unexpected ways to maintain equilibrium,” and that, she claims, “stimulates their immune systems.”
Here are Arakawa and Gins themselves, demonstrating how the space may be used (photos via the NYT, photographer Eric Striffler):
In this house, they say, “Every day, you are practicing how not to die.” My question: after a few days, how bad would the idea of death seem?
The bright colors and odd angles are meant to challenge you. The poles are there to help you if you lose your balance. You even have to sign a release before entering the house.
The sunken kitchen looks more like a child’s playset than a real cooking space (despite the home’s appearance, children aren’t allowed inside):
Arakawa and Gins believe that retirement homes and hospitals should all be designed like this, to challenge the residents and help them live longer.
Here’s one of the three bedrooms, staged with a pair of sneakers:
One of the two bathrooms, which appears to be open to the rooms around it:
According to the listing:
A synthesis of architecture, art and science, this artistic statement in the form of a life-enhancing environment is a signature and culminating work of the world-renowned team Arakawa + Gins.
Forty years of scientific and philosophical investigation into how best to sustain human life and how to use architecture to help people live exceedingly long lives has been put to good effect in this house like no other. It has at last – for the first time in human history – become possible to live entirely within a sculpture!
What do you think? Would you fork over $4 million to live in a house that defies death? How much is eternal life in the Hamptons worth to you?
To read an interview with Arakawa + Gins that better explains the house, check out the interesting article and audio slideshow at NYT.com. For more information, go to the listing by Sotheby’s. (Thanks to Ami for telling me about it!)
{ 97 comments… read them below or add one }
What??? Gee…. LOL… Where do you find things like that? LOL So Fun! Great post!
Have a lovely day, Julia!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Post of the Day: A Simple and Elegant House. http://www.HomeBunch.com
Oh, dear. I have no words. Except, maybe “No Thanks.”
-Trish
If I was super rich, I’d buy it as a giant playhouse for my kids. Because that’s what is basically is, a playhouse for grown ups.
If I had 4 million, this is definitely not what I’d spend it on!
Absolutely ridiculous. And hideous. You couldn’t pay me the $4 M to live there. Should I tell you how I really feel?
So, wait…. WHY are they selling it?
Exactly! They can’t stand the thought of living here forever
Or maybe it’s because the man DIED last year … !!! … seems it didn’t work after all!!!!
Wow….no words…..
That’s pretty out there… Well I guess, all the freaky people, make the beauty of this world!
CRAZY and fun-looking place!
OH thanks for the early morning chuckle! It takes A LOT to get me to laugh pre-coffee but you did it! Too too wacky and funny. It will be interesting to watch how long it is on the market…
Have a great day! -Melissa
Ummm…..no. I don’t think so…..Although they may be onto something about children being dangerous to your health as they are not allowed inside
Methinks it is a conspiracy, and the “scientists” work for the Orthopedic Surgeon Society of America. Yep. that’s got to be it because I would break something in that hazard they are marketing as a house!
My thoughts exactly……
I wonder why kids are allowed inside. Do they just dislike children or are worried about their safety? Very, very odd. The only way I would ever buy that house is if 1. I had tons of money and 2. it was in a good location at the Hamptons. And even then it would have to be knocked down. Some people need to lay off the crack pipe …
Just when you think you’ve truly seen it all, something like this comes along! I think you would be more likely to fall and crack your head open in this place than to achieve eternal life. I wouldn’t give them four dollars to take a tour, let alone four million to “live” in this place!
I’m going to pass this one to contestant number two Drew.
Mr. Goodwill Hunting
So long as there is enough property that this could be a guest house for children, I’ll take it! Good grief, I can not imagine the poor builder who had to execute this. My builders give me the death glare if I draw something round.
Ugh… a home is supposed to be a haven – an escape and a place to feel safe and cozy. My blood pressure would go through the roof if I had to live in this house! And no, I don’t want to “relax” and read inside a gigantic carved-out pumpkin!
It may be true that the person would never die in that house. Die, yes, but not in THAT house. After a few days, the homeowner would want to spend as little as time as possible in that house.
Not to say that the concept is bad. Spending an hour a day walking on uneven floors, carefully crawling down into the pit called a kitchen, standing at the table, these things would certainly make you use muscles you don’t ordinarily use. And you might become more flexible and have better reflexes, but overall, an hour a day would be most people’s limit.
Who wants to spend $4 million for a house where you can’t have a get-together?
Please PLease let us know if they finally make a sale on this.
I have a bridge
Oh. My. Lord. Awful.
Because there isn’t enough stress in the world outside your home…you may now come home to a place that is thoroughly stress inducing…it will keep you on your toes! Reminds me of people who are on a constant diet and eat no carbs, meat, or fat…you just want to give them a cookie and tell them to relax.
Ummm….no! It is a concept that just goes right over my head.
Bright and cheerful, though.
Thanks for the smile!
I think that is ridiculous, especially the idea of making retirement homes that way. Do they not know that older people’s balance makes them more susceptible to falling? And if it’s not safe for kids–who are built a lot tougher–how can it be safe for an average adult? It’s ridiculous.
touche’
Just the photos gave me a headache.
I often have feelings of inadequacy over the condition of my own house ~ are the colors pleasing, is the furniture comfortable, etc. After seeing this “house” my insecurities are put to rest. Wow. Thanks for sharing, but it kind of makes me want to take a fork and poke out my eyes.
That must be the ugliest house ever. Ha ha… not for me thanks! I wouldn’t live longer… I’d die of the horror of having to wake up there!
Bizarre and speechless are the first two words that come to mind. I think the idea of death could actually be appealing after living in that for a even a day…..CRAZY. Very hard to look at, what was the real estate broker thinking to take on a listing like that and sell it as an immortal house..what? huh? am I losing my mind?
On a happier note..love stopping into your blog. Please visit me, building a new home and started a blog about it and my passion for decor/design (good design..lol) less than 2 months ago would love you to visit me…www.theenchantedhome.blogspot.com
I try not to declare things as weird just because they aren’t my style. But that? Totally weird.
In this house, they say, “Every day, you are practicing how not to die.” My question: after a few days, how bad would the idea of death seem?
Well, that had me laughing out loud! While there is no way I’d want to live in or even visit this place, I do think they have a point when they say challenges – both physical and mental, are what keep us alive (in the sense of not just passing thru life, but really enjoying it). But this house looks like it would be more of a pain in the @%#, than a challenge!
wow
I could see it as a possibility for some until the picture with the uneven floor. No thanks. I’ll just camp on a hill.
“Ronald McDonald awoke in a cold sweat after another nightmare about his childhood home. ‘Would it have killed them to put in a ball pit?!’, he mumbled.”
I could see how this house would inspire you not to die.
It looks like what hell might be like. Can I get a hallelujah?!
Eternal life? Looks like you would have an eternal headache! No thanks!
Maybe it’s just a matter of perception. You really don’t live forever, it’s just that one day in that house would feel like an eternity!
Arakawa and Gins sound more than a little disconnected from reality.
I think I would prefer 85 years in a super comfy bed than 150 years of sleeping on bumps on the floor!
I don’t always “get” modern art — which this house clearly is — and when I do, I often don’t like it — which, in this case, I don’t. I really, really don’t. I suppose I understand what they’re trying to do. I get the concept. But that house is art for art’s sake, not for someone to actually live there more than a month or so as an experiment. Give me a Nantucket house (a typical one!) any day. That being said, kudos to you for finding this specimen of architecture and making it into one fascinating blog post!
I’ll pass. I’d rather live inside my garage, frankly, and there ain’t as much room. The idea that this is a death-defying fun-house for adults only is completely absurd. I like my houses built on reality (where children are welcome).
I find it hard to understand this kind of art. No way I would chose to buy and live in it.
Uh, I think I’d rather live in Heaven…
Definitely one of a kind but I am afraid this one definitely does not appeal, certainly not to me. I am afraid it looks rather cold and industrial despite all the color. May they have luck selling this one!!
Wow, maybe I am especially crabby this morning but those people seem really annoying. I just fundamentally disagree with the original assertion that dying is immoral. So I pretty much can’t get on board with the concept at all. Plus it’s ugly. My big question – why are they selling?
Comfort = death? Oh, my!
I can’t imagine trying to do laundry, or vacuum or drag in bags of groceries into that sunken kitchen. There’s something to be said for practicality.
I see…, your mind would be so occupied trying to avoid falling over…, that it would have no time to dwell in negativity thus you’d be healthier…, and perhaps live longer. I prefer meditation!!
“My question: after a few days, how bad would the idea of death seem?”
ROTF, if I spent a few days in that house, I think I’d want to die. LOL!
How annoying!
I would buy it, raze it, and build something that I would actually want to live in.
That is just WRONG ! Someone has way too much time & $ on their hands. Research ? If no one buys it I guess that will be an answer to their so called research.
Would prefer to sink 4 mil in swamp land.
In this house, they say, “Every day, you are practicing how not to die.”
Er… I do that anyway. So far so good.
I’d rather get my eternal life from God, rather than a house, thank you very much. People have too much time on their hands, and no sense at all.
One other thought: If the buyer (in the event that such an atrocity should ever actually sell) does die, will they get their $4 million back???????? Hmmm…..
Julia, well not 4 million, however I would love to tour this property…. very fun and interesting!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Wow, I wouldn’t fork over $4. LOL Bizarre!
My Nannie will be 100 years old in May, and I’m pretty sure she hasn’t had to live in a sculpture/daycare nightmare building to get to that age.
It is funny that children aren’t allowed-it looks like a DREAM for kiddos!
I hate to put down another’s artwork. To look at this as a sculpture is one thing, to sell it as a home is another. As a home, I cannot imagine anyone wanting to live in a building that is dangerous to all ages. So that leaves one to wonder….Either they honestly believe what they are preaching and created this building out of sincerity, or….this is yet another example of too much idle time on ones hands thinking up a money making scheme that involves an attempt to start a new fad, a new belief, while at the same time looking for notoriety to further careers.
Wish they would have given more insight into their concept. Such as why they are not living in this building. Why are they selling it? If they do not live in a similar building that will help them live forever, why not? And why did they choose the Hamptons for the location?….they could have built this in some other less expensive neighborhood, on a less expensive piece of land. Could it be that it really is all about the money and notoriety, and not about the sincerity in their assertions?
Sorry to sound so cynical and harsh, but I find their concept and the thinly veiled attempt to sound sincere and credible with their “research” *snort* annoying.
Defy death???? I would trip over the bumpy floors and die immediately.
Oh man. This is a super gross house, but, as a student of Art History, I have a feeling that people will be studying this house in Contemporary Art and Architecture classes in a few years….
@ Cori: What is here to study in Art History? More aptly, it should be studied in marketing (to determine how you get someone to swallow the their theory), ethics (about the sins of being creative with one’s “research”), and probably criminal justice (since there are all manner of crimes here – building codes, anyone?) Some artistic endeavors, no matter the medium, are failures, and most probably rise from a purer intent than Arakawa and Ginns’ eyesore. I suspect this will ultimately be classified as uninhabitable, and any buyer will have to gut the space.
Please note a level of sarcasm and humor here, though I do believe these two were hucksters of the art & design world. If you are wondering about my use of “were,” it is because Arakawa died last year.
I would classify it under the “what is art?” category. Make no mistake, I’m no PhD, but art history can encompass a great many things, and you could spend a lifetime endeavoring to even define art. Their architecture certainly got a reaction out of you, and isn’t provocation what art is all about?
Eternal life in the Hamptons? If only the Beales would have known about this 35 years ago!
Now I’ve seen everything! I’m with you Julia, this is definitely looking like a demented daycare for adults. I don’t see how the “challenging environment” would help you defy death. Guess I’m too used to being comfortable! Where on earth did you find out about this crazy house?
I love artists and philosophers–they make me giggle.
Even the staged shoes look as if they want to flee the home.
and as for this: “Every day, you are practicing how not to die.”
As others have already said, with my lack of grace and agility, I wouldn’t survive 48 hours, let alone eternity.
Interesting house, but not for me!
I love your blog. I can’t wait to see what you will find next.
Ummmm….
Perhaps more a tourist attraction than a residence??
Even though children aren’t allowed, I can see Brad Pitt buying this with his ‘forward’ taste in architecture.
It does seem more like an unusual type of gym/obstical course that people could sign up to use more than a home…it will be interesting to see what becomes of it.
xo J~
Yuck, yuck, yuck…..This reminds me of a re-occurring dream I have in which I can’t get from one set of stairs to another. I’m with you…I’d rather die than live in this house.
My 2 year old just walked by and said “Fun! Slide?!” I think you had it right when you said it looked like a daycare!
The person who buys this house to actually live in has more money than sense! If living is this house allows one to live eternally, why are the architects selling it instead of living in it themselves?! Hmmm.
As they say “where they smoking crack?”
After taking a look at this house, the one thing that comes to mind is, “these people really need help.” Seems to me that their minds aren’t all there or maybe they haven’t grown up yet. Who in their right mind would want to live in a house like this? The whole concept is mindboggling. Where do you sleep or do these people sleep? How do you relax? You pretty much can’t. I will most definitely pass on this house.
Ohhhh Kay. One question: what happened to the guy who used to be IN those sneakers? POOF!!!! (theme from The Twilight Zone playing softly here)
So are they leaving because they are ready to die? I’m all for some exercise, but I guess it depends on how one defines “living”. To me, it is curling up in a cozy chair to read w/ one of my children, or friends and family lingering at a table long after the meal is over. To me living is not “no kids allowed” and “could you please sign this waiver before you come over”.
Ummmmmmmmmm, yeah. That’s weird.
I can not thing of anything else to say. That’s weird.
Scary. I wonder how the couple who designed this will feel about it when they get elderly (if they indeed live that long)? Would they want to hobble around on bumpy sloped floors with a cane or walker, grabbing at poles to keep from falling? Do they think this will make them immune to aging? So silly to think they can defy death. And if someone falls for that marketing angle, then they deserve to be separated from their $4 million. I think a walk on the loose sand of the beach would be just as challenging for the equilibrium, while being a beautiful environment besides (and a few million cheaper – or maybe not, if it’s a lot in the Hamptons). Could be fun for a toddlers’ climbing gym, until they fall into the kitchen and crack their heads on the jagged counter! For me, if comfort equals death, I’m doomed – but at least I’ll die happy!
OK… When I was younger, I did my share of hallucinatory drugs and am an artist as well, but this is TOO MUCH. Don’t want you to be comfortable when you’re at home? I thought that was one of the benefits of being at home. This evokes a psychotic mind to me, so “no thanks.” At least Pee Wee’s Playhouse had whimsy and fun and great design. This is just depressing. What a waste.
Oh, by the way, Arakawa died last year. So much for immortality. See the obituary here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/20/arts/design/20arakawa.html
Yes, these two are (whoops, were) crackpots and schemers ready to peddle their pseudointellectual nonsense to any monied buyer/believer. Their stated disinterest in such things as possessing money really don’t sync up with their having invested in Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme, and then lamenting the financial hit they suffered.
No kidding?! Very interesting. Thanks, Jano!
Gah! Verb form error! That should read “doesn’t sync up.” The spectral presence of my dear departed English teacher can move along now.
And just for fun…when I saw the kitchen, my first thought was, “Hey, my kitchen is already a pit–why would I want another?”
I’m sorry – it would be cool to visit it but to buy and live in it? No way. Not $4 million?!?! Like you said, death may be welcome after a day or two in this place! What they should do is open it as a museum or even a hotel to say in a few nights, and DONATE some of the money they make off it to life-sustaining charities! Ha!
I am not for a house quite so unique
Not sure the the world is either
The person who wrote the copy for that listing deserves an award in creativity. Way to put a positive spin on strange.
Hmmmm. Not sure what to say. I saw this in my reader and thought , “What am I looking at” ? I’m glad you explained the concept. I do love all the color but I’d rather not contemplate death or even avoiding it all the time. From their photos I think they have more free time than most of us.
Thanks for sharing.
Pam @ beColorful
My head hurts. I wanted to read through the other comments…but I’m feeling dizzy. What are the “home’s” designers smokin’….sesame seed buns???
Oy.
Julie M.
Now this is a challenge in so many levels. As contemporary art, yeah, OK. As a house, too many sharp angles outside and revolting colour combinations, indoors I find contrived and very busy. I think it could work as a physiotherapist’s gymkhana course for patients who are already quite well and for serious fitness-freaks or mountain climbers. For “normal” people I find it a helth hazard, unless they’re really fit. Think about doing your everyday chores in there and oops!- just stumbled flat on your face on the knobbly floor and need expensive orthodoncy the next six months. I get stressed only looking at it.
Why is death immoral?
Rich, insane homeowners!
I’m honestly feeling a little nauseous after looking at these photos. Seriously, what were those people high on???
Gulp. I’m pretty sure this house and “Hamptons” don’t belong in the same sentence
Ugh, this is awful. I’d definitely rather be dead than live here forever.
oh, hahahahahahahaha! my stomach hurts from laughing so much!
This house makes me nauseous, but I laughed out loud at your comments, Julia!
I would rather live on the streets and I’m not not kidding. This is awful!
Words can NOT express the severe pain on the eyes that house is. It makes me nauseous. And wish for death.
It’s almost as ugly as those purple rooms.
However…….I’d love to have the land in East Hampton, NY.