Inside a Futuristic Home with Detachable Rooms | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

Today Architectural Digest tours a futuristic home nestled among the trees in Malibu, California. If you were to imagine life on Mars your mind might conjure an image similar to this extraordinary residence. Built by architect Ed Niles in 1992, his experimental builds have been redefining the architecture of Southern California for decades. The innovative design features a long structure with modular rooms that can be unhooked and rearranged along the house's spine. Join Ed as he talks you through the creative process behind this architectural marvel.
Director: Chase Lewis
Director of Photography: Grant Bell
Editor: Alex Mechanik
Host: Ed Niles
Producer: Chase Lewis; Meg Sutton
Line Producer: Joe Buscemi
Associate Producer: Josh Crowe; Marisah Yazbek
Production Manager: Peter Brunette
Production Coordinator: Kariesha Kidd
Camera Operator: Josh Andersen
Audio Engineer: Paul Cornett
Drone Operator: Arran Alps
Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Special Thanks: Paul Schneider
John Shilling at www.artisanhouse.com/
Artworks by:
Cameron Burns www.captvart.com/
Curtis Jeré www.artisanhouse.com/
Morely morleyart.com/
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[@jasenjahn]

Shot out to the window cleaner who has landed this client.

[@musamusashi]

I feel for him though

[@spiritualwonderboy_]

how to apply

[@Whatta33]

He’s doing the windows year around

[@tiaaa7108]

😂

[@stereothrilla8374]

Rumor has it the window cleaner’s house is twice as big, three times more expensive and has no windows.😂

[@mo_0912]

Definitely feels like a sci-fi type of house. Amazingly unreal.

[@Embassy_of_Jupiter]

It's basically a space station on the ground

[@mo_0912]

@@Embassy_of_Jupiter Exactly!

[@paveel12]

yes, i saw it and it gave me Gattaca vibes.

[@natebeach]

Made me think of Doctor Zorkof's lab in Flash Gordon movie.

[@tomcat4841]

Yes, but it's emotional. Can't you feel the emotion? You're not an architect then. Please leave the room.

[@maxzett]

I love these houses that have a unique shape or concept. The "30 million modern Miami mansions" get boring quick, but these stand out. The modularity is very impressive

[@nathanhendrex3982]

Exactly

[@logan758]

you won't find houses like this in the middle of America for sure.

[@andraslippai3169]

yepp, the heating/cooling bill is very impressive too

[@Huebri]

@@andraslippai3169Money means nothing to the person who owns this

[@backonthelevel85]

@@Huebri I wouldn't necessarily say that money doesn’t mean anything to the owners of this house. Instead, i’m sure money plays a very important role in their life. They just have more money to use than what most of us are used to. Totally different level & class of reality for them than most. So let them enjoy it and express themselves as they feel fit.

[@travisweigand9982]

I was fortunate enough to tour this house several years ago before the current owner bought it. AD does a great job in this video of capturing just how stunning it is in person. In the best way possible, the house is as uncompromising as it gets. Getting to experience it up close and personal was a privilege I'll never forget.

[@Nikakaralife]

Do you know, Who is the currently owner?

[@cromulentparty]

Milton Sidley built it and the current owner is Paul Schneider@@Nikakaralife

[@Michael-xv9ku]

@@Nikakaralife the founder of Chemical Guys, the car detailing product company

[@annaliberatori4768]

So curious to know what country is it been built in, Australia? Do I see eucalyptus trees there ?

[@travisweigand9982]

@@annaliberatori4768 United States. California.

[@luapkirner5331]

I really like how committed he is to his thoughts, ideas and metaphors on it.

[@fauxkoff367]

True. To me he dips and dives between pretentious and insightful

[@MeCooper]

@@fauxkoff367 Oh cool! There are insightful parts? I'm only half way through. Edit: Nevermind, I just noticed the duck and the _primary sleeping zone._

[@milesbrown2]

I was on a film crew when we shot a commercial at this property. There weren’t as many trees then. It was called “The Crankshaft house” when we were there. It was pretty cool, but also a bit “Cold”. We also learned that the house leaked like a sieve. But it’s only a 2 bedroom and the Kitchen was 60’ away.

[@mujkocka]

That sucks.

[@SmallBlogV8]

Some aspects of this place feel more like a high-end office building, particularly the long corridors and enclosed walking bridge, but overall this is incredible, like something out of a '90s sci-fi movie. I love the thought of the main lounge's semicircular roof maintaining constant natural light as the sun moves, even if it does make it look like a turbine power generator.

[@equation1321]

its got some scientific organic biochemistry laboratory facility feeling to it

[@planetmuskvlog3047]

You called it, Gattaca! I love that movie!

[@johnnyxmusic]

@@planetmuskvlog3047Yes!

[@TheTanman412]

I think it gives it a top of the skyscraper type of feel, rooftop bar.

[@richardconway6425]

@@planetmuskvlog3047 yes, Gattaca, that's exactly what I thought ...

[@sarahgiax]

The part that interested me the most was when he was on the balcony and said that he wanted a space “where people could express themselves emotionally but not feel like somebody else is challenging them.”

[@mpc5584]

Haha yup.. and a number of his clients ask for the same thing LOL!

[@saintwayne1096]

"designed for no echo"- there's an echo "this is not a hallway"- i see a hallway "it's not a counter"- that is definitely a bathroom counter

[@dannylaurence8089]

For dinner he’ll have a suggestion of a pizza. Not an actual pizza, just the suggestion of one.

[@markb7411]

This is probably the most incredible residential structure I’ve ever seen. Every single aspect of it is amazing 👏🏼

[@BigDicTRP]

you'll be stuck in a 500 sqft apartment that you pay monthly rent for, for the rest of your life lil bro 🫵💀

[@jyuu6650]

@@BigDicTRP that's just straight up projection, "lil bro"

[@alexconstantinidis8804]

What a legend! Truly created a timeless design. Feels almost like a natural evolution of the space-mania era of the 50s and 60s but with substantial attention to use of space and interaction with nature! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@DarrenKriz]

Toured this on my channel years ago! Had one of the most indescribable feelings walking around that place

[@SamiLoft]

Going to watch that now !! I wanted to see more of the house

[@maryjowolf6465]

This brilliant architect should be proud of bringing a far-reaching clients’ dreams and imaginations into reality. Control over this project must have been phenomenally accurate. Thank you for sharing the dream and outcome.

[@SinMxchine]

When you're in a room you're in a room, when you're not in a room you're not in a room. If you're in nature you're in nature, when you're not in nature you're not in nature. This guy has a way with words.

[@YUL695]

It's brilliant how the translucent panels of the main gathering area are positioned to follow the path of the sun. The room will always be lit, but not overwhelmed with heat. And with no echo. Genius.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

*The house needed a roller coaster passing indoor and out door of the house woooaah!* 😅❤

[@damionmurray8244]

This is an exquisite piece of architecture. Love the use of natural light.

[@yildizdiab2693]

A mathematical and architectural genius. I haven’t seen anything like it before. Question though. How often do the windows get cleaned and how?

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

They call a company to clean😆

[@yildizdiab2693]

@@artisthusnatalal3099 😂

[@trolley4388]

you don’t

[@yildizdiab2693]

@@trolley4388 😂😂

[@BustaBunny3045]

As often as he cleans his undies

[@pekemo]

Certainly uniquely creative. Access panels to the infrastructure is neat. But.... yeah, all that glass to keep clean... I'd feel like I'm on display in an exhibit. And with all the walking required through the giant tubes - reminds me of a giant hamster tunnel/maze thing, but on a human scale. No mention of the price tag which is assumed to be sky-high, nor the heating/cooling costs. And the modularity and ability to move rooms around is interesting, but I can't remember the last time I wanted to do that. Wouldn't want to live there and become best friends with the window washers, but certainly one of a kind!

[@muzinkosi8542]

The elderly gentleman recounting the tale of this house is unquestionably the most exceptional architect I've ever encountered. The synergy between him and this space is truly remarkable, leaving me utterly mesmerized by its beauty, originality, and uniqueness!

[@mitchellguillot8505]

Being a car loving gear head, I keep seeing it as a turbo and crank shaft! Very cool architecture!!!

[@benjackson103]

This is one of the most unique an incredible houses I’ve ever seen.

[@joshualaird5303]

Looks like a camshaft

[@levantos]

Definitely need to see this house used more in films, such a beautiful and different aesthetic.

[@lalahaha5313]

This is a masterpiece! The great room looks like a big sunburst and was my favorite part.

[@Piasays]

I wonder if the heat is unbearable in the summer with all that glass

[@jayare6804]

Stunning. I could see these being adapted for dwellings on new planets

[@hby7768]

no way, too many glass, this is the least element resisting structure for a dwelling - high winds will shatter this instantly

[@smith899]

I am not a person who love modern architecture, but I love this!

[@rayfighter]

are you an architect?

[@SunnyHF-nf4bc]

This looks like the villain headquarters in a 007 film. It looks amazing!

[@CLB30ROX]

This is so innovative, I don't even have words 😱

[@Adsin16]

I really like this one. One problem I have with most modern architecture is that all the steel, glass and boring straight lines make them look like office space at best, used car showroom at worst. But this is just flowing and beautiful and different. This is a house I'd actually like living in.

[@umouthingme]

I think it looks like commercial building.

[@legoqueen2445]

Love the design but didn't like the architect's commentary or the short amount of time the camera spent showing an area and then quickly changing to another area. I couldn't get a sense of being inside the space because it kept changing (maybe that's the whole point). Also, the footage of the architect going up or down the very large flight of stairs seemed to have been slowed down which exaggerated how unpractical it would be for many to be up and down those stairs all day. An escalator would break the magic and make it feel like a shopping mall. Beautiful but conflicting.

[@davidcattin7006]

This must have been used in some movies. Does anyone know? As far as living here, I felt very uncomfortable the whole time he was explaining it. I love unique things, and modern homes, but this is something else. More like an airport or a hospital. I would be wondering if doctors were constantly watching me as part of some bizarre experiment. Would love to experience it in person to see if I feel any different.

[@malice4422]

I'll never understand people who comment "not home-y enough" or "not practical"... like yeah... that's not what they were going for...

[@mommaduck79]

@@MS08that’s entirely personal though. As someone with ADHD, I know how important my environment is - and I do not like the typical ‘cozy and homely’ environment because I do not like the way it clutters my mind. Having an uncompromised, purposeful, and almost ‘sterile’ environment to wake up in everyday is much more preferable for me because my mind is far more clear and engaged, which I prefer.

[@rustyshackle917]

It's an eye sore and probably feels like living in an abandoned shopping mall. 😂

[@DCDSG]

It looks incredible and is incredible but I'd be incredibly scared at night even with security guards lol. The amount of horror scenes my mind would come up with 😱

[@BearingMySeoul]

Also, who's trying to wake up with the sun EVERY day?! If I'm rich enough to afford this, I'm also waking up when I want to wake up...which is NOT at the break of dawn! 😆

[@DCDSG]

@@BearingMySeoul sleep masks everywhere 🤓

[@genosreviews252]

My room gets a lot of natural light, I don't wake up when the sun rises. I don't think the sun waking me up in this house would be my biggest concern.@@BearingMySeoul

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

In a word: "magnificent"!

[@estherwatkinsgulli6301]

What a lovely tribute to Milt. It felt nice to be back inside his funhouse - but with a fraction of his art.

[@kmw4359]

Props to the architect not only for such a unique design but also for the subtle Hawaii shirt.

[@Le_Trouvere]

A corridor with shipping containers attached to it

[@SamiLoft]

This is so spectacular! I love the bedroom so much with the carpet and the glasses all around

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Breathtaking. A marvel of design. A true masterpiece of architecture. Thank you so much for this post.❤

[@SoCalFreelance]

California living. 🌴🏖🌊🌮🤘

[@willrueb9573]

A completely unique structure unto itself. It's very cinematic!

[@Kawartha65]

Definitely gets high points for a futuristic airy quality….. however, as a guy that lives in a midcentury modern place with lots of 6 foot glass panels …I can’t help but wonder how you keep all that glass clean! 😮

[@debs_7163]

My thoughts exactly!

[@omgtonywtf]

That line item alone is cost prohibitive for most!

[@kmw4359]

Whoever lives there probably considers it small change.

[@sarahgiax]

Full-time window cleaning staff 😅

[@mpc5584]

I was thinking wheelchair access. There's a choke point on that passageway between the two module of modules...

[@williamhuigens3192]

What an amazing space to live in and to experience life in. Absolutely love it..

[@mpc5584]

"express themselves emotionally without having somebody else challenging it..."... 🤔🤔 This place is mindblowing.. only thing missing is lights off and Milky Way

[@amyherself]

Such a timeless design! I think it's different and really exciting😍

[@MeCooper]

Thank you so much for this upload! Sometimes I worry that I take myself too seriously or have too much ego. This video really helped me get some perspective. ♥

[@asynchronicity]

So many wonderful comments about window cleaning. What a blessed world!

[@ToshiMaid]

Amazing!! it's like living inside transparent air vents. Guuuhh, i would love to have to walk 40 feet across a tight bridge hallway to go the kitchen.

[@hueman9]

The house was perfectly executed, everything about it scream peace and harmony. Not many distraction, a perfect place to be if you want to clear your head and connect with your innerself.

[@richardconway6425]

and then go completely insane ...

[@jimandjudyc48]

Absolutely genius and unique. Would love to tour it, although I don’t think I would like to live there.

[@sheherezad9]

Wow what a structure a mother ship ! I would love to live in this building .

[@Creophagous]

Brilliant. As I wanted... a new way of building houses, taking into consideration worldly changes that are about to occur. I like this concept. People need to think further. There are other ways to build as well, but yes, stay off the ground.

[@bawintermage8351]

So far this is my favorite house and design philosophy featured, thanks Architecture Digest

[@CHEEBnRUN]

This house feels like a statement on our modern society. Detached. Modular. Isolated.

[@anshardeman3967]

it is a special house, not all practical for me, but eccentric and what might this cost in 1992

[@darwinlaureles]

The most beautiful house ive seen so far. Not the typical kind.

[@bryantkeller9278]

I only wish they'd hired an interior designer. The architectural firm or client definitely did the decor and furntiure. Missed opportunity. But gorgeous concept and structure.

[@adam872]

I. Love. This. Wow, what a remarkable sci-fi building.

[@xM4XT0Nx]

love how much thought went into the natural light 3:43

[@leocremonezi]

Civil engineer here! Amazing video! My architecture classes in college were amazing! I admire the creativity of those guys 👏🏻👏🏻

[@resolution1]

Beautiful Arc. Looks serene 🤍

[@tejida815]

Looks perfect for California.

[@diggyj2509]

its like having a taste of what living in space or somewhere not Earth feels like.

[@yourboylai-lt1ue]

The designs of this house is so UNIQUE

[@Cre-Art]

Every little detail is so perfectly achieved. It's a beautiful structure, fascinating and elegant. The highest aesthetic.

[@jenkem4464]

This is so cool! Such a great design with so much potential for future colony type homes/communities on other planets. I could also easily see this kind of thing scaled up for space station habitation.

[@faithokewale3557]

This structure blows my mind. Love it is an understatement

[@OnMeds1]

Genius architecture. It appears to have beautiful views everywhere

[@Curpop]

Its a camshaft

[@optimumreality9745]

Absolutely breathtaking.

[@yamchayaku]

We can only dream of this ever happening. By the time something like this becomes a thing, literally everything will be so unaffordable, and the only thing even professionals would be able to afford are single person pods, and dive into a metaverse. The only things we'd be able to own are digital stuff. I kinda dread what it's going to be like for us 10-20 years in the future.

[@Bronek.Konarski]

Light -the heart of poetry.

[@luispaulomachadoamorim6937]

A masterpiece, simply put!

[@Itsloceng]

Woahhhhh this is some kind of next level house I've ever seen. And it's futuristic but beautiful and calming too!

[@landakcokelat]

I've always been waiting for this kinf of content in archdigest. It's like pure emotions full of passion in art and life. I loooveee it

[@landakcokelat]

@@scsherman207 i literally just did a typo in that comment 🙄 but whatever idgaf about ur shallow judgement

[@duskyrose23]

Exactly what I wanted to see, arches❤I’m mesmerized!

[@charlesmichaelpaiz135]

Absolutely lovely. Amazing. Master Class. I love.

[@pollyseip]

10:37 … the musical score is lovely!! Wish we could listen to more of it.

[@menaseven9093]

Beautiful modular mansion.

[@JerrisEverydayPeople]

This is the warmest coldest coolest house ever. Very livable.

[@samaireoctober5584]

This is just stunning. Thank you for the amazing tour.

[@Raymondapples]

Praise to the architecture ❤❤❤❤❤❤ well designed

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

mindblowingly spectacular!

[@rebelliousraven]

This is just so beautiful!

[@strangeke7750]

One of the coolest houses I’ve ever seen

[@beautyallaroundme724]

Very innovative & amazing. Love seeing as much of nature as possible while being inside, and lighting the place with natural light as much as possible. Being so in touch with nature visually 24/7 in here, gives me the feeling that one might have some metaphysical experiences in here without trying.

[@Kenny6253]

This a profoundly marvelous and unique design. Very impressive and breathtaking!

[@baba-vh7hb]

but breathtakingly beautiful

[@oblivion3331]

I LOOOOOVEE THISSSS. PLSSS MORE HOUSES LIKE THIS.

[@joris5862]

I particularly appreciate the thinking with the sun with the main place, all modern houses should be thinked that way ! + A Sci-Fi dream.

[@leamorenalucero]

Amazing Spinal Structure! Really Fascinating!

[@tiffanypage9077]

You are truly amazingly talented I was in awe seeing such creativity come to life in this fine building. Thank you so much for this showcase of fine architecture. I am so glad that people exist like yourself with such creative spark

[@ZeckKoa]

I LOVE this! I dream about the perfectly designed house that is module and could be built for any environment and be used as the gold standard for building homes around the world for the homeless

[@corey657]

Feels like you'd be living in a spaceship. Kinda cool

[@pmarshall2006]

Love the paperclip artwork on the wall

[@truth-12345.]

Wow! This looks more like a research lab structure. It definitely is futuristic.

[@buttagrind7659]

Amazing execution. It def puts you on another planet in another time.