Keret House

Keret House
The Keret House between two other buildings, as seen from the street
The Keret House between two other buildings, as seen from the street
Map
Alternative namesDom Kereta
General information
Architectural stylePostmodern architecture
LocationWarsaw, Poland
Coordinates52°14′16″N 20°59′21″E / 52.237703°N 20.989075°E / 52.237703; 20.989075
Current tenantsEtgar Keret
Construction started2012
Completed2012
Technical details
Floor count2
Floor area4.09 m2
Design and construction
Architect(s)Jakub Szczęsny
Main contractorPolish Modern Art Foundation
Website
kerethouse.com (archive)

Keret House is a structure and art installation in Warsaw, Poland. It was designed by the architect Jakub Szczęsny through the architecture firm Centrala, and has been described as the narrowest house in the world, measuring 92 centimetres (3.02 ft) at its thinnest point and 152 centimetres (4.99 ft) at its widest.[1] The two-story art installation was named after Israeli writer and filmmaker Etgar Keret, who was the building's first tenant.[2]

Building

Inside Keret House – the bedroom

The iron structure contains two floors, and has one bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living area. It has two non-opening windows, with sunlight also entering through translucent glass panels that make up the walls. The entire interior is painted white and the building's electricity is obtained from a neighboring building. The house has custom water and sewage technology and is not connected to the city-provided water systems.[3] Because of its small size, the building only accommodates a small 2-beverage refrigerator, and occupants use a ladder to travel from level to level. Entry is via retractable stairs that, when closed, become the living area.[4]

The construction of the Keret House supported by the Warsaw Town Hall and was produced and realised by the Polish Modern Art Foundation.[5] The house is classified as an "art installation" because it does not meet Polish building codes, even though it is being used as a residence.[3]

In 2019, it was named as one of the most iconic houses in the world and included on a list of international projects honoured by the architecture portal Iconic Houses.[6]

Location

Keret House is located between 22 Chłodna Street and 74 Żelazna Street in Warsaw,[7] and is designated as the narrowest house in the world.[2][8] The structure was installed between a pre-war house and an apartment building. Keret said that staying at the Keret House is like a "memorial to my family";[2] his parents' families died in World War II when Nazi Germany occupied Poland.[9]

References

  1. ^ "Dom Kereta / Keret House". Centrala. Archived from the original on 29 September 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  2. ^ a b c Scislowska, Monika. "World's skinniest house is only four-feet wide". The Province. Retrieved 21 October 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ a b "Check Out The Skinniest House In The World". Co.DESIGN. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  4. ^ "World's Thinnest House Unveiled in Poland". KECY TV. Archived from the original on 18 April 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  5. ^ Hisona, Harold. "Thinnest House in Warsaw Poland unlocks with all essential amenities". Archived from the original on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  6. ^ "What a squeeze! World's skinniest dwelling named as one of the planet's most iconic houses". Retrieved 2019-09-14.
  7. ^ Minner, Kelly. "Keret House / Centrala". Arch daily. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  8. ^ "Narrowest house, to host Israeli writer Etgar Keret, opens in Warsaw". Global News Service of Jewish People. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  9. ^ Scislowska, Monika. "Narrow house opening as art work in Warsaw". Idaho Statesman. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Keret House.