Rachel Lanlan
Google
A Grade I listed post-modern architectural gem in the UK. Waiting six months for the ticket was well worth it, as this building holds the same Grade I status as Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral, a rare designation for less than 3% of UK buildings.
The house, designed by Charles Jencks, masterfully blends humour, science, art, and innovation. However, the 1.5-hour self-guided tour felt rushed, and the addition of new contemporary art pieces, although admirable, somewhat diluted the focus. Charles designed the house to avoid 'overdesign,' and the added artworks could be overwhelming. This is purely my personal opinion.
The 37-page guidebook was exhaustive and difficult to complete within the limited tour time. I'm keen on a guided tour for my next visit to fully appreciate the original design elements.
In summary, the Cosmic House is a striking fusion of architecture and science-art. A revisit is already in my plans.