Domed home known as ‘the boba tea house’ asks $1.9M

You can live in a bubble — or you can live in a cool bubble.

An eye-catching dome home is on the market in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for $1.9 million.

The recently listed spread in the eclectic city drew intense reactions online after it was shared by the social media account Zillow Gone Wild, with commenters variously comparing the exteriors to a wasp’s nest, an egg carton and even baked goods. 

“Looks like a batch of cinnamon buns!” wrote one observer.

“Nothing Bundt House,” joked another commenter. 

The home was built in 1977 and has since become a local celebrity. Matthew Truman Photography
An aerial view of the wooded property. Matthew Truman Photography

“Looks like a mushroom colony,” another chimed in. “If Kalamazoo had a tornado, would this house become scrambled eggs?” a commenter asked.

The story behind the monolithic dome is almost as unexpected as its exteriors. Listing agent Fred Taber, of Jaqua Realtors, told The Post about the origins of the circa-1977 home.

While Kalamazoo boasts an impressive array of Art Deco and modernist residences designed by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Carver Jr., this home is in a league of its own.

Locals variously refer to the home as “the onion house,” or “the boba tea house.” Matthew Truman Photography
Each dome spans roughly 1,000 square feet. Matthew Truman Photography
The rounded kitchen. Matthew Truman Photography
The home’s interiors resemble a ’90s modernist time capsule. Matthew Truman Photography

“What makes this even better is this is not designed by any famous architect, or even remotely well known architect,” Taber said.

Instead, the spherical abode was designed by an orthodontist named Dr. Luther Bruce, with this help of an architect friend. 

The $1.9 million listing advertises “privacy, energy efficiency and timeless style.” Its stone, plaster and wooden interiors span more than 6,000 square feet.

Despite its wooded location, the home can be glimpsed by passersby, Taber said, making it a local celebrity.

“People can see it on the road, and because it’s so unique, they get a lot of people just pulling up in the driveway to take pictures,” he said.

The unusual property attracted an array of comparisons online, from cinnamon buns to a wasp’s nest. Matthew Truman Photography
A spacious living area with plaster walls and a large, angular window. Matthew Truman Photography
The home enjoys excellent insulation and geothermal heating. Matthew Truman Photography
A spiral staircase is lit up by one of seven skylights. Matthew Truman Photography

The home’s local nicknames range from “the boba tea house” to “the onion house,” Taber said, depending on who you ask.

The current owners, Taber said, took up residence in 1991, and undertook extensive renovations inside and out. Upgrades included new decks, additional land and a special metal roof to protect the cement and foam facade. The roof was custom-made in Texas, Taber said, and cost the owners more than $400,000.

The roughly 1,000-square-foot domes create “a wonderful flow,” through the home, Taber said. The dome at the center of the cluster is entirely occupied by the massive primary bedroom.

Despite the lofty ceilings, the home’s unique insulation and geothermal heating keeps it warm and cozy year-round — just like a freshly baked batch of cinnamon buns

Source link

Leave a Comment

SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO SEO