Balanced on a central pillar, the octagonal house can be mechanically rotated in both directions to give its owner varied views. The rotation is also used to direct the house’s solar panels towards the sun.

“The ability of the house to rotate was requested by the client from the very beginning, on one hand to be able to change the point of view on the landscape, but also because of his passion for machines and mechanisms,” architect Roberto Rossi told Dezeen.

Located near the city of Rimini, Rossi’s house was constructed by Italian building contractor ProTek. The challenge was to keep the building lightweight and to allow it withstand traumas caused by its rotation.

The structure has a steel frame, with walls made of wooden strips, and insulation panels of hemp and wood fibre.

According to the architect, the house generates all of its own energy. The solar panels are fitted on the roof, so are able to take full advantage of the sun at all times of the day.