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
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.