Main author
Michael BrooksRepublic of Kugelmugel
The Republic of Kugelmugel (translated as ‘Spherical Hill’), is a ball-shaped house classed as a micro-nation located in Vienna, Austria.
The house was designed and built in 1971 by the Austrian artist Edwin Lipburger as part of his theory that the sphere is the perfect geometrical form for a new kind of habitation.
The house has a diameter of 7.68 m and is constructed from timber units covered with zinc sheets.
Disputes with the authorities regarding planning permits provoked Lipburger to declare that the house, as it was spherical, had its own centre point, independent from the 'geocentre'. Accordingly, in 1976 he declared the house an independent republic, free from laws and building regulations. He proceeded to elect himself President and began issuing stamps and passports.
In 1979, Lipburger was sentenced to prison for refusing to pay taxes. In 1982, the house was moved to the famous Prater amusement park in Vienna where it became a tourist attraction, even though it was enclosed behind barbed-wire fencing.
Despite having no water or electricity, Lipburger continued to inhabit the house until his death in 2015. It has the only address within the Republic – ‘Antifaschismusplatz 2’ (‘Anti-Fascism Square’ No. 2), which has a population of more than 600 non-resident citizens.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
A brief description of a smart construction dashboard, collecting as-built data, as a s site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure bill oulined
With reactions from IHBC and others on its potential impacts.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.