In 2008, artist and filmmaker James Benning built two cabins in the Sierras. One was a replica of Henry David Thoreau’s cabin in which he wrote his first book. The other is a reproduction of Ted Kaczynski’s cabin. (Mr. Kaczynski is serving a life sentence in prison without parole.)

Benning’s work reminds us that self imposed isolation can do very different things, and, as the NAIL V project asks, “At what point does an iconoclast become a sociopath?  And who decides this?”

Cruising the streets of New Orleans vicariously via Housewatcher, I enjoy being reminded of the simple beauty of the vernacular. Found on Flickr by way of Lloyd.

Lapa’s Nest Treehouse in Costa Rica was built sustainable from felled lumber after a hurricane and boasts rainforest shade, ocean views, a pool and visits from friendly monkeys. Here’s their promotional video. Wouldn’t take much to get me there.

One of my readers tipped me off to Shaun and Amy’s unique life in Texas. They are farmers, raising sheep and chickens. They’ve been living in this really neat tent structure (490 square feet) for at least a year now (maybe two?) with their pets and the occasional coyote and snake appearance. It is unclear to me if they are living sans-electricity, but they do have a composting toilet and outdoor bathing facilities. More pics on AT. (Thanks Carolyn!)

Two weeks ago in Rotterdam: a spontaneous street party erupted called the “Bucky Bar” (named after Buckminster Fuller, of course). Via Dezeen. Also check out a very similar project, Umbrella House.

This is one of the treehouses found at Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington (22 miles west east of Seattle). A popular spot for weddings, each treehouse can be rented out from $110-215 per night. This house is called the Temple of the Blue Moon and equipped with a queen size bed, leather armchairs, ipod dock, and even a toilet.

Photo credit: Anton Schoenbacher

This absolutely beautiful, organically-shaped piece was designed and built for young children as a space for storytelling around a fire. (Kids play outside year-round in Norway.) The building blocks are re-used from another construction site and arranged in 80 circular stacks. More pics.

Photo Credit: Jason Haveraas & Grethe Fredriksen

Cove Park totally pulls off a shipping container village in a pastoral setting. It’s situated on a Scotland peninsula and focuses on artist-in-residency programs. Six “cubes” were designed by Urban Space Management, London, three of which are living quarters and 3 are workspaces. It’s amazing to me how steel industrial containers can take on a new life and blend in with the environment here.

More whimsy: I just stumbled upon the nest-like structures of environmental artist Patrick Dougherty. This piece is entitled “Just Around the Corner.”

Photo Credit: Doyle Dean

A whimsical structure in the Catskills — entitled Lower Case “a” Frame — is a creative take on the traditional “A” frame house. Designed by installation artist Matt Bua of Brooklyn, NY and found on B-Home Studio blog. I can’t wait to see what “b-home” turns out to be.