A Building That Fits Between Two Others
Tucked into a sliver of unused space in Warsaw, the Keret House holds a credible claim to being the narrowest house in the world. At its tightest point it is only 72 centimetres wide (roughly 28 inches), opening up to a comparatively generous 122 centimetres (48 inches) at its broadest. The entire footprint covers around 150 square feet, yet the structure contains a kitchenette, a dining and sitting area, a bathroom, a workspace, and a sleeping area arranged across three levels.
How the Design Works
Polish architect Jakub Szczesny of Centrala conceived the project after noticing the gap between a postwar housing cooperative and a prewar former Jewish tenement building while walking the street. Rather than treating the void as dead space, he envisioned a structure that would bridge the two buildings and put the overlooked metres to use.
Because the entrance is not visible from the main pavement, visitors approach through an alley and climb steel stairs to reach the front door, which sits behind a wall about six and a half feet tall. Inside, the ground level serves as the entry point. One floor up holds the bathroom, kitchenette, seating, and workspace. A ladder then leads to the topmost level, where the bed is positioned. A skylight running the length of the ceiling draws natural light into the interior, and lighting has been integrated directly into the structural framework, making the fixtures part of the minimalist aesthetic rather than additions to it.
From Art Installation to Residence
Warsaw's building authorities classified the Keret House as an art installation rather than conventional housing, a designation that allowed the project to navigate the city's regulations given its unusual dimensions and purpose. Construction took approximately three years and was completed in October 2012, as first reported by NDTV.
The house was built for Israeli writer Etgar Keret, who uses it as both a workspace and an occasional place to stay. The project's name reflects that connection. Indian influencer Rishabh Wadhwa recently shared a walkthrough of the interior on Instagram, bringing renewed attention to the space and illustrating how the layered layout manages to accommodate everyday functions within an almost impossibly compact shell.
Warsaw's Most Unconventional Landmark
The Keret House has become one of Warsaw's more talked-about architectural curiosities, drawing visitors interested in design, urban history, and the city's layered past. The gap it occupies sits between a building that survived the war and one that was constructed after it, giving the site a quiet historical resonance beyond its architectural novelty.
For anyone planning a visit to Warsaw, the house is not a conventional tourist attraction with set opening hours. Access is through a side alley, and the building's exterior is easy to miss from the street. Knowing what to look for before you arrive makes the difference between walking past and actually finding it.
Why It Matters for Hosts
Independent accommodation operators in Warsaw can draw a practical lesson from the Keret House's enduring appeal: guests are increasingly drawn to spaces with a strong, specific story. A property does not need to be large or conventionally comfortable to attract interest. Hosts who can articulate what makes their space architecturally or historically distinct, whether that is a building's era, its neighbourhood context, or an unusual design choice, give guests a reason to choose them over a generic option. Highlighting the Keret House as a nearby point of interest also gives properties in central Warsaw a ready-made conversation starter for design-minded travellers.
Details about the Keret House were first reported by NDTV.
First reported by ndtv.com.