The Futuro House Project - Information, Photos & Locations (original) (raw)

The Futuro House AN ONGOING SPECIAL FEATURE - UPDATED 102913More accurately called Futuro Houses these 20th Century prefabricated homes are often referred to as "UFO Houses". I first came across the Futuro House at the beginning of July 2011 right after I had started this website and the one in Royse City, TX, USA became the subject of one of my early articles. Since then I have been fascinated by the Futuro House and I have spent ... [Image By Runder]

102913 - The Futuro House project Moves To Its Own Domain

In the couple of years or so since I caught the Futuro "bug" this "blog post" has far exceeded what I envisaged and it has completely outgrown its home. It deserves and now has its own website and domain:

This content will remain here but future updates will take place on the new website so please update any bookmarks you might have to point to TheFuturoHouse.com and if you are one of those individuals who has web content linked to these pages please also update those links to point to TheFuturoHouse.com

... many an hour in front of my monitor and tapping on my keyboard researching and collecting all manner of information pertaining to Matti Suuronen's legacy. This "Futuro House Project" is my home for all things Futuro. It is a work in progress and my expectation is that it will be regularly updated as I uncover more information about the Futuro House.

I have made every effort to provide accurate and verified information and as at the date posted information is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate. In particular I have tried to be accurate about the locations of the Futuro Houses; more specifically I made every effort to find them in Google Earth and then to provide the satellite imagery date - clearly as at that date location information must be accurate. No doubt there will be changes; houses will have moved after that date; most likely some of my information will be inaccurate or lacking in detail. I would appreciate all the Futuro fans out there taking an active part in this project. If you can correct something, verify something, add some detail or history, add an image or add video please use the Futuro Contact Form below or email me - any assistance will be greatly appreciated and all contributions will receive full attribution.

Now immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Futuro House.

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043013 - Futuro architect Matti Suuronen passes 041613

Today brings very sad news in the "Futuro" world. Architect Matti Suuronen has died at the age of 79. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. He will be missed but his legacy lives on.

Suuronen's passing is reported this morning in an article in the Helsinki based newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

The following is a rough translation of the article [based on a Google translation]

"Futuro house architect Matti Suuronen died in Espoo, Finland, 16 April 2013. He was born 1933, and at his death was 79 years old. Suuronen was a pioneer in the processing of reinforced plastic for construction, the best known example was the ellipse-shaped Futuro, which he designed in 1968. Less than a hundred pieces of the spacecraft looking Futuro were built, of which five have survived (in Finland - my addition). One of them is the collection of the WeeGee Exhibition Centre."

THE FUTURO HOUSE PROJECT FORUM

NEW 021113 - I figured a forum would make an interesting and useful addition to The Futuro House Project. I am hoping it will become a place for discussion, opinions, news and other Futuro related content and not a "Ghost Town". Time will tell.

PROJECT UPDATE HISTORY - FIND THE LATEST CONTENT

I figure any of you who share my interest [or is that obsession] with Matti Suuronen's creation might check back here from time to time and I am sure you won't want to read a bunch of stuff you have seen before so this section will indicate what has been updated when so you can easily find new content.

Update Archives

GENESIS OF AN ARCHITECTURAL ICON

The human creative process is fascinating; there is an old saying that "necessity is the mother of invention". That may well be true but it seems to me that there are "muses" other than necessity that are just as likely to inspire creativity and new ideas. The Futuro House may well have come about because of the era in which it was born and it is entirely possible that it simply could not have ever seen the light of day had the initial idea, that spark of creativity that still fascinates so many of us decades later, come into being in a different era.

The Futuro House was born of the 1960's. Being born in 1958 the limited recollection I have of those times is filtered through the eyes of a child but the internet is awash with information and remembrances of those times. Despite the ongoing Vietnam War the 60's was a vibrant time, a time of enthusiasm and a time fondly remembered by those who lived it. The nightmare of the Second World War, never forgotten by those who lived through it, was at least beginning it's long transition from "now" to "history". The Great Depression was a couple of decades in the past. It was the era of the hope, and then the ultimate tragedy, of John F. Kennedy and of the heyday of the American Civil Rights Movement and of the always remembered "I Have A Dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. The 60's also saw, and perhaps could be said to have been dominated by, the "Space Race" and the never to be forgotten Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. I still recall having goosebumps as Neil Armstrong spoke some of the most famous words ever uttered by man; "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

In popular culture the '60's saw the "hippie" movement, "make love not war", Woodstock and The Beatles. Psychedelic Drugs were in vogue. The fashion world saw the Bikini become mainstream and Mary Quant give the women of the world [or is that the men?] the Mini Skirt. The world was living in an era of hope and plenty. The Postwar Economic Boom had a few years yet to run and with the inexorable technological progress of the times it looked like technology would be the answer to the world's problems.

So how does all of this equal Futuro. While the world was experiencing an economic boom it was not without problems; one was its growing population and the associated need for economically viable, easily produced and transportable housing. So, while the Futuro was initially conceived of as a ski cabin that would be “quick to heat and easy to construct in rough terrain” the times into which it was born ultimately caused it to morph into a relatively cheap, "production line" house that would be at least one part of the answer to the world's housing issues.

Thus was born the Futuro House "Product For The 60's - Architectural Icon For The Ages"

CONCEPT, DESIGN, MANUFACTURING AND MARKETING

As a product of 60's Finland the Futuro House was born of a society comfortable in the same euphoric times as the rest of the western world. A faith in technology and a strong economy that offered the hope of a higher standard of living and more leisure time typified the times. The original impetus for the creation of the Futuro came from Dr. Jaakko Hiidenkari who, in 1968, commissioned Finnish architect Matti Suuronen to design a ski chalet to be located in Janakkala in central Finland and then elsewhere. Suuronen's initial idea was for a prefabricated ski-cabin and seemed very natural given the times. The cabin would be light and therefore easy to transport to remote locations, easy to construct once on site in unforgiving landscapes and efficient when it came to heating and retaining heat in very cold locations.

In order to meet the primary design criteria the main construction material chosen for the Futuro House was a fiberglass reinforced plastic. Derived from oil in a time when oil was cheap a plastic met all of the requirements; it was relatively cheap and easy to work with, it was light and it offered good insulating characteristics.

The Futuro House also featured polyurethane insulation and this combined with a powerful electric heating system allowed the house to be heated from -20° Fahrenheit to 60° Fahrenheit in only 30 minutes. Criteria met!

The Futuro House was manufactured in 16 prefabricated pieces. The pieces could be mass produced. The house could either be transported by helicopter pre-assembled or it could be assembled on site with little more work than simply bolting the 16 pieces together. Criteria met!

The assembled Futuro House would sit on a steel frame which in turn sat on four concrete piers. The only real onsite construction needed to site a Futuro House was laying the concrete piers. Given the simplicity of the onsite requirements the Futuro House could be situated in almost any terrain [see image above : source]. Criteria met!

The Futuro House, with an approximate diameter of 26 feet and an approximate height of 14 feet was completely furnished and supposedly could accommodate 8 people. To be honest I am not sure I know 8 people I would want to cozy up to quite so much but maybe I am just anti-social - check out the image of the "bed/chairs" a little further down the page and see what you think - it sure does not look like you would have a whole lot of privacy unless you were one of the lucky ones and had the bedroom. The floor plan featured accommodations around a central space to which living and dining areas were open and the very center featured a fireplace and hood. The entry staircase was retractable which helped with insulation and heat retention as well as adding to the "spaceship" like aura of the house. The house also featured many "space age" features [probably very retro now] including light switches installed in the chair/bed armrests and transparent shelving. The image below shows a little marketing "blurb" along with a typical floor plan.

Futuro Brochure

Source: Carly & Art

Without a doubt the best views of the Futuro House as it would have been right out of manufacturing are afforded by the detailed and clearly very painstaking restoration of the prototype Futuro House for an exhibition currently running [May to October 2011] at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Netherlands. A video providing some Futuro facts and history along with some footage of the restoration project can be found on boijmans.nl [Edited 072012 - video is no longer available]. Happy Famous Artists took a wonderful set of photos at the exhibition and then saw fit to host them on Flickr under a creative commons license - I sincerely thank the photographer for doing so. That collection of images is worthy of a page of its own which you can access here.

Perhaps the best and most complete doumented resource available on the design and structure of the Futuro House is the document "Futuro no. 001 : Documentation and evaluation of preservation need". Written as her final thesis for the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Finland Anna-Maija Kuitunen authored a document with great detail on specifications, materials, construction methods and so on. In addition the document includes a large number of plans and images of the interior of the Futuro house. This thesis is freely available online here.

You could say that the design was perfect for its intended purpose. In fact perhaps it was too perfect. In a world clamoring for cheap, easily manufactured housing it suddenly became perceived as meeting the needs of another, much greater, market. Housing for the common man.

An excerpt from a February 1970 copy of Architecture D’Aujourd’Hui describes “Futuro” as:

"the first model in a series of holiday homes to be licensed in 50 countries, already mass-produced in the United States, Australia and Belgium. The segments of the elliptic envelope are assembled on the site using a metal footing. Through its shape and materials used, the house can be erected in very cold mountains or even by the sea. The area is 50 sq m, the volume 140 cubic m, divided by adaptable partitions."

Source: Wikipedia's Page On The Futuro House

Examples [here, here and here] of marketing materials from the period of manufacturing clearly show the product targeted at a much broader market then the "ski cabin crowd". How did they do? Perhaps not too well; however while some possibly suspect and cheesy marketing [and maybe that assessment is tainted by a 21st century perspective] may have contributed to the Futuro becoming a relatively rare architectural oddity rather than a feature of every street corner it actually ran into much bigger problems than the power of its marketing. The first video below will let you be the judge of at least one example of Futuro marketing and as a bonus it will give another glimpse of how the interior looked.

The Futuro was not the only modular manufactured house designed by Matti Suuronen; there was also the Venturo [Venturo Brochure]. The second video showcases a Venturo followed by a Futuro. If you can get past the Whitney Houston soundtrack it is some interesting footage. The Futuro footage starts at around a minute forty and showcases one of the customizable features of a Futuro; the standard Futuro had a single row of oval windows circling the structure but it was possible to have additional windows added below the standard row as seen in this example.

Estimates of how many Futuro Houses were manufactured vary with the most common number seeming to be something around 100 and the Futuro house was still, pardon the pun, finding its legs when the calendar hit 1973 and that years Oil Crisis. The almost immediate tripling of the cost of oil caused an almost immediate tripling of the manufacturing cost of a Futuro House. The once bright and powerful business model for Futuro became almost unworkable overnight and with that the future for Futuro tanked. With the radical change in manufacturing cost dooming the Futuro manufacturing continued for only a short time before ceasing for good. Criteria no longer met!

Thus the Futuro House became only an "Architectural Icon For The Ages"

Interior Images Source: Anna-Maija Kuitunen

SO JUST HOW DID THEY GET TO WHERE THEY WERE GOING?

Given the [original at least] perceived main use of the Futuro as a "ski cabin" one of the primary design considerations was ease of transport. By its very nature skiing tends to take place in more rugged and sometimes difficult to access, terrain; I do not ski but I figure skiing on a flat plain would likely not be the best skiing. The choice of materials made the Futuro relatively light and it's construction in 16 pieces made it more convenient for transport.

Primarily there were two methods of transport available. A Futuro could be transported in 16 pieces by road and then assembled on site [or presumably rail though I have been able to find no evidence of this to date] or it could be air lifted by helicopter. Though not specifically advertised as far as I can tell during the early [manufacturing] days a Futuro could also be transported by road fully assembled. Though its size makes this a monumental undertaking even over relatively short distances modern examples of this mode of transport exist and some are well documented.

The image top right illustrates a Futuro being transported using a helicopter - a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane [source: "Futuro no. 001 : Documentation and evaluation of preservation need"] and the document futurohousecanadadoc.pdf found on futurohouse.com includes the image to the left of such an event. The document also includes the following narration originally from the Montreal Gazette of July 11th 1972:

"Woodbridge, New Jersey - An S-64 Skycrane, built by the Sikorsky division of United Aircraft Corporation, Stratford, Conn., recently airlifted a (FUTURO) Bank Branch Unit and placed it on its site in the main parking area of the Woodbridge Shopping Center here. The unique structure owned by the City Federal Savings and Loan Association is called a "space Bank". It is a factory built spheroid 26' in diameter, 12' feet high, containing 5,000 cubic feet and weighing 13,500 pounds. * It was flown and placed with interior appointments including carpeting, teller counters, cabinets and seating. Electrical and telephone connections were made immediately and the bank was opened for business 30 minutes after it was lowered from the sky.

* Including the weight of the safe and other banking equipment.

"

I had thought that the video below was of the same transport event but looking at the photo and the video the helicopters are clearly different; in the photo there is a twin rotor craft [appears to be a Boeing CH-47 Chinook to me] and in the video a single rotor craft [which I believe is an S-64 Skycrane as mentioned in the text accompanying the photo]. There appear to be a couple of possible scenarios; there were two "space bank" transport events and the image in the document was incorrectly associated with the Woodbridge Shopping Center "space bank" or there was a single event and again the image used in the document was of another transport not associated with the "space bank" transport. Further research is needed here and I will update as and when I have clarification.

[Edited 082413 - Scott Hedges sent me some Futuro information and among it were some photos and other information pertaining to the photo above. The markings on the helicopter are actually Swedish Air Force and in addition there are indications that the train is also Swedish. While it is possible - though unlikely - that a Swedish helicopter would be transporting a Futuro in North America there is little chance a Swedish train would be traveling on US tracks. If that was not enough some time ago I purchased a couple of photos of a documented Futuro transport that took place in the Stockholm area on 102269. You can access a copy of one of them here [please note this image is watermarked and should not be reproduced - while I purchased copies I do not own the copyright]. This image shows a Futuro being transported by a helicopter which is clearly the same model as the photo above. In addition the helicopter carries the same markings down to the number 96 at the rear. Finally the method by which the Futuro is slung under the helicopter looks exactly the same. While I cannot be certain I am of the opinion that these two photos depict different stages of the same transport event that took place 102269 in the Stockholm area].

I have been unable to locate any images or videos of road transport from the early days but there are well documented cases from more recent times.

In December 2004 Futuro owner Milford Wayne Donaldson oversaw the move of his "baby" from San Diego to a rocky Idyllwild mountain top in the San Jacinto Mountains of California. Donaldson had purchased the Futuro that had been located in Hillcrest Canyon, San Diego since 1977 in 2002 and after, being at a temporary location for refurbishment, it was making the move to what Donaldson hoped would be its final home.

Considering the Futuro had ease of transportation as one of its primary design considerations the five hour journey was perhaps a little more complex than one might have imagined. Preparing for the trip involved months of extensive planning. A passable route had to be devised; not too difficult on the freeway portion of the journey maybe but once up in the mountains there were sections where clearance dropped to inches and trees had to be trimmed to allow the Futuro through. There was the flatbed to arrange, pilot cars to arrange, highway patrol escorts to arrange and permits to obtain.

Luckily for Donaldson a good friend of his was in the moving business. Larry Wood was the owner of San Diego Boat Movers [Edited 072012 - page no longer available - access using Wayback Machine here] and it was his company that, ever so carefully, transported the Futuro. Wood was quoted as saying:

"We've moved a lot of strange things, but that's the first flying saucer house we've ever moved."

All in all it was a seriously significant undertaking. A SignOnSanDiego.com article dated January 2nd 2005 perhaps sums up most aptly the kind of challenge the movers faced:

"And in downtown Idyllwild, the entire crew held its breath while more measurements were taken before the Futuro – which measures 26 feet wide – headed for its tightest squeeze: Only 4 inches to spare, ideally 2 on each side, between hefty trees that hug the road. Driver Larry Wood cleared it on the first try."

An image of the Futuro on the road is above left [source: JoelInSouthernCA]. You can see clearly the Futuro overhanging both sides of the roadway and the vehicles that had to pull completely off the road to get out of the way. The image to the right is from the moving company's website, San Diego Boat Movers [Edited 072012 - page no longer available - access using Wayback Machine here], and shows the Futuro on the flatbed before being wrapped in its protective "blanket".

A couple of years later in 2007 King House Removals moved a Futuro by road from Christchurch to Harewood in New Zealand. The following two photos of the Futuro loaded up and ready for transport are reproduced with the permission of King House Removals.

Futuro, Christchurch - Harewood Transport 1 Futuro, Christchurch - Harewood Transport 2

More recently the cost of moving his Futuro is proving possibly too prohibitive for one Futuro owner. Matt Damon owns the Greenwich, New Jersey Futuro; a PressOfAtlanticCity article from December 2009 reports as follows regarding the liklihood of the Futuro being moved:

"Damon plans to live in the Futuro at the marina or on a lot nearby, as the cost to transport the house is infeasible. Often, helicopters were used to carry Futuros to their destinations, but Damon estimates it would cost him about $100 per mile to do so.

The permitting and costs required to put the saucer-shaped house on a flatbed and drive it up to Damon's home in Tuckahoe, N.Y., also would be unrealistic, he said. Being at the marina, however, Damon said - if he guesses right and the Futuro is the next hot thing - the house can be put on a barge and sent all around the world.

"

So Futuro's clearly got moved somehow and that begs the question "where are they now?"

Oh and one final video for this section - a little tongue in cheek actually. This video made the rounds a while ago; it is not about Futuro but it does feature Futuro in a comparison to another video touted by some as a "real" UFO being moved - I have my opinion and I will leave you to yours.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? [OR WHERE WERE THEY?]

The following section lists all the Futuro Houses I have been able to identify/confirm. I believe this is the most accurate, complete and up to date list you will find on the web but; while the information presented is as accurate as possible and verified by dated photos, Google Maps and so on it is likely that there will be a few inaccuracies or some out of date information.

If you are aware of a location I do not have listed, a move that has taken place that the lists do not reflect or any other additional or corrected information please let me know by using the Futuro Contact Form below or by emailing me.

Detailed information including precise location, maps, history, photographs, videos and links for each location can be accessed by clicking on the location link. If you find incomplete or inaccurate information relating to a specific Futuro or you have images or other resources that would help paint a fuller picture please let me know.

For a Google Map showing all confirmed locations click here.

FUTURO LOCATIONS [CLICK LINKS FOR DETAILED LOCATION INFORMATION]

  1. Antarctica - Béchervaise Island | Confirmed 062911 | m2 | Googie
  2. Antarctica - Hop Island | Confirmed 092311 | Googie
  3. Australia - University Dr, Bruce ACT 2617 [Approximate] | Confirmed 090712
  4. Australia - Blowhole Creek Rd, Deep Creek SA [Approximate] | Confirmed 090513
  5. Australia - High Wycombe, Perth WA [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 082113
  6. Australia - Brother's Point, Macquarie Island | Confirmed 080811 | Googie
  7. Australia - Waterfall Bay, Macquarie Island | Confirmed 091111 | Googie
  8. Australia - 365 McDonalds Rd, South Morang VIC 3752 | Confirmed 071812
  9. Belgium - Tildonk [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 091612
  10. Denmark - Egeskovvej 12, 3490 Kvistgård | Confirmed 053111 | m2
  11. Estonia - Lihula, Lääne County, Estonia [Approximate] | Confirmed 072212
  12. Finland - Storbroskär, Åland Islands | Confirmed 062211
  13. Finland - Kauhava [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 062212
  14. Finland - Merimasku [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 061712
  15. Finland - Kaitoomäentie 199 21870 Pöytyä | Confirmed 052312
  16. Finland - WeeGee Expo Center, Ahertajantie 5, 02100 Espoo | Confirmed 100812
  17. France - Aéroport de Lorient Bretagne Sud, 56270 Ploemeur | Confirmed 040613
  18. France - Marché Dauphine, Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen | Confirmed 080413
  19. Germany - Siedl, Wilhelmstrand 240, 12459 Berlin [Approximate] | Confirmed 062412
  20. Germany - Madertal 6, 72401 Haigerloch [Approximate] | Confirmed 061012
  21. Germany - Herrenweg 27, 65527 Niedernhausen | Confirmed 072812
  22. Germany - Aarstraße 176, 65232 Taunusstein | Confirmed 072812
  23. Germany - Ruhrstraße 110, 58452 Witten | Confirmed 091612
  24. Greece - Limni, Corfu [Approximate] | Confirmed 082110
  25. Japan - 371-0805 2-38-2 Minami-cho, Maebashi, Gunma | Confirmed 070112
  26. Netherlands - Museumpark 18-20, 3015 CX Rotterdam | Confirmed 093012
  27. New Zealand - 115 Huntsbury Ave, Huntsbury, Christchurch 8022 | Confirmed 042512 | m2
  28. New Zealand - 12A Mcleans Island Rd, Harewood 8051 | Confirmed 022713
  29. New Zealand - 29 Fifeshire Crescent, Stepneyville, Nelson 7010 | Confirmed 012413
  30. New Zealand - 13 Park Rd, Warrington, Otago, 9471 | Confirmed 042913
  31. New Zealand - Paringa River, South Island [Approximate] | Confirmed 010413
  32. New Zealand - 44 Selwyn Street, Pohara, 7183 | Confirmed 010313
  33. New Zealand - 115 Riria Kereopa Memorial Dr, Raglan 3297 | Confirmed 031113
  34. New Zealand - Rangiora [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 061813 | m2
  35. Norway - Hyttesone I 80, 3296 Nevlunghamn | Confirmed 080213
  36. Russia - Hotel Tarelka, Teberda District, Dombai Village [Approximate] | Confirmed 030411
  37. Spain - Carrer de la Vall Verda 07184 Calvià [Approximate] | Confirmed 042912
  38. Sweden - Radiatorvägen 7 702 27 Örebro | Confirmed 060111
  39. Sweden - Tönnebro 124 820 29 Stråtjära | Confirmed 122812 | m2
  40. Sweden - Friel Getegården 4, 530 30 Tun [Approximate] | Confirmed 112310
  41. Taiwan - Tingtão Rd, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 207 | Confirmed 010912 | m13
  42. United Kingdom - Unspecified Location | Confirmed 071113
  43. USA - 30931 Big Rock Dr, Idyllwild, CA 92549 [Approximate] | Confirmed 062311
  44. USA - 7764 Torreyson Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | Confirmed August 2013
  45. USA - 4388 Deep Grass Ln, Houston, DE 19954 | Confirmed 020913
  46. USA - Eagle Crest-Hudson Airport, Milton, DE 19968 | Confirmed 072813
  47. USA - 1304 Panferio Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 | Confirmed 070513
  48. USA - 2309 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607 | Confirmed 072612
  49. USA - 1774 Old Peoria Rd, Danvers, IL 61732 | Confirmed 082112
  50. USA - 708 Chs 68, Livingston, IL 62088 [Approximate] | Confirmed 032213
  51. USA - 224 Wright Street, Covington, KY 41011 | Confirmed 032413
  52. USA - 52232 N Carolina 12, Frisco, NC 27936 | Confirmed 032613
  53. USA - 390 Hancock Harbor Road, Greenwich, NJ 08323 [Approximate] | Confirmed 073112
  54. USA - 310 Beverly Rancocas Rd, Willingboro, NJ 08046 [Approximate] | Confirmed 071913
  55. USA - 9961 Central Ave, Carlisle, OH 45005 | Confirmed 032213 | m2
  56. USA - 1243 West Baltimore Pike, Media, PA 19063 | Confirmed 031813
  57. USA - Austin, TX [Vicinity Only] | Confirmed 062013
  58. USA - 779 Stevens Rd, Rockwall, TX 75032 | Confirmed 071413
  59. USA - 9573 State Highway 276 W, Royse City, TX 75189 | Confirmed 032913
  60. USA - County Highway J, Rockland, WI 54653 [Approximate] | Confirmed 101213
  61. USA - 1502 Mattke Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568 [Approximate] | Confirmed 050913

PAST FUTURO LOCATIONS [CLICK LINKS FOR DETAILED LOCATION INFORMATION]

  1. Australia - 8 Hawdon Street, Dickson, ACT, 2602 | Confirmed 092710
    Now located at Australia - University Dr, Bruce ACT 2617 [Approximate]
  2. Finland - Hirvensalmi [Vicintiy Only] | Confirmed 110111
    Now located at Finland - WeeGee Expo Center, Ahertajantie 5, 02100 Espoo
  3. Germany - Hollwieser Straße 7 32602 Vlotho | Confirmed 091306
    Now located at Germany - Ruhrstraße 110, 58452 Witten
  4. New Zealand - 6 Fordingbridge Ln, Bexley, Christchurch 8061 | Confirmed 021006
    Then New Zealand - Botanic Gardens, Christchurch 8013 | Confirmed 032507
    Now located at New Zealand - 12A Mcleans Island Rd, Harewood 8051
  5. New Zealand - 22 Lake Road, Kaimaumau, Northland 0486 | Confirmed 031813
    Now located at New Zealand - Rangiora [Vicinty Only]
  6. New Zealand - Unknown Location | Confirmed 061413
    Now located at New Zealand - Rangiora [Vicinty Only]
  7. South Africa - 22 High St, Port Alfred | Confirmed 011910
    Now located at United Kingdom - Unspecified Location
  8. USA - 3601 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92103 | Confirmed 072001
    Now located at USA - 30931 Big Rock Dr, Idyllwild, CA 92549 [Approximate]
  9. USA - 7357 Illinois 29, Cantrall, IL 62625 | Confirmed 062709
    Now located at USA - 708 Chs 68, Livingston, IL 62088

FUTUROS DEMOLISHED [CLICK LINKS FOR DETAILED LOCATION INFORMATION]

  1. Australia - Larrakeyah, Darwin
  2. Germany - Wittlaer, Düsseldorf
  3. Germany - Birminghamstraße 119, 65934 Frankfurt am Main
  4. Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
  5. USA - Broadkill Beach, DE
  6. USA - 8216 N Semmes St, Tampa, FL 33604

"LOST SOULS" | PREVIOUSLY CONFIRMED FUTUROS NOW LOCATION UNKNOWN

  1. Australia - Bungwahl or Byron Bay, NSW | Until 2013 | Now FOUND
  2. Australia - Puzzle park, Murray Bridge, SA | Until Now?
  3. Australia - 1280 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby VIC 3179 | Until 2004/5
  4. Canada - Mont Blanc, Quebec | Until ?
  5. New Zealand - 111 Queen St, Thames 3500 | Until Early 2000's
  6. Russia - Sochi | Until ?
  7. Ukraine - Yalta | Until ?
  8. United Kingdom - Todmorden, West Yorkshire | Until Early 1980's
  9. USA - 715 Clark Road, Bailey, Colorado | Until 2009
  10. USA - Baltimore, Maryland | Until ?
  11. USA - Seaside Heights, New Jersey | Until 1980's?
  12. USA - Storytown USA, Lake George, New York | Until Late 1980's?
  13. USA - Virginia Beach, Virginia | Until 2008/10
  14. USA - Janesville, Wisconsin | Until early 1970's?

FUTUROS ON DISPLAY | EXHIBITIONS THAT HAVE FEATURED THE FUTURO

  1. Finn-focus Export Fair | 1968 | England
  2. Internationale Kunststoffhaus Ausstellung der Welt | 1971 | Germany
  3. MUDAM - Tomorow Now ... | 2007 | Belgium
  4. RADAR - The Eagle Has Landed ... | 1990 | Finland

FUTURO "MYTHS & LEGENDS" | THE POSSIBLE, THE UNCLEAR & THE DEBUNKED

  1. DEBUNKED | Australia - Dobson Street, Watson, ACT
  2. DEBUNKED | Greece - Nikolaos Xasteros Futuristic House
  3. DEBUNKED | New Zealand - 4 Thornicroft Rd , Waitati 9085
  4. DEBUNKED | USA - 11374 Tara Dr, Plantation, FL 33325
  5. DEBUNKED | USA - On I-72 Near Monticello, IL
  6. CONFIRMED/LOST | USA - Indian River Road, Pungo, VA
  7. CONFIRMED | USA - County Road J Outside Rockland, WI
  8. POSSIBLE/LOST | USA - Tyler Ave, Annapolis, MD
  9. POSSIBLE/LOST | USA - 206 & Mansgrove, Princeton, NJ

LOCATION / UNIT STATS | BASED ON 70 ORIGINAL UNITS

Why 70 units?

This version of the statistics has been updated [the previous estimate was 60] and is now based on a total manufactured number of 70. The basis for this revision is a recent email conversation in which Marko Home indicated that the original estimate of 60 was made around the time the his book Futuro - Tomorrow's House from Yesterday By Marko Home and Mika Taanila was published and based on information available at that time. Since then additional new, or at least previously unknown, Futuros have been discovered and he has now revised his estimate to somewhere between 60 and 80. In my mind there is no more reliable source for Futuro information than Marko and, based on his revised estimate I am taking the middle road for now and assuming a total of 70 Futuros were manufactured.

In this case I have excluded the Wanli "Futuros" on the basis that the photographic evidence does show significant differences to the "standard" Futuro and the "Googies" since they are simply not Futuros despite the fact that almost all sources describe them as "modified Futuros". Furthermore if only 70 were manufactured and the Wanli units and "Googies" were counted according to my listings I would have more confirmed units [80 at current count] than were actually manufactured which seems to me to be more than a little unlikely.

In the end either this version of the "statistics" may be correct, the one below may be correct or maybe neither is correct - you be the judge! For what it is worth I now tend to this version based on my judgement of the reliability of the source of the production estimate.

In either case the statistics are based on "confirmed" locations and include existing and "demolished" units. Lost and/or rumored units are not included. All of my information is the most up to date I have but obviously some could [and likely is] out of date so if you have later data or corrections please let me know.

LOCATION / UNIT STATS | BASED ON 96 ORIGINAL UNITS

Why 96 Units?

There are many widely differing reports as to how many Futuros were actually manufactured. In all of the research I have done the most commonly quoted number is 96 [though I have been unable to ascertain the original source of that number]. However since that is the most often quoted number I can find I am basing this version of the statistics on the assumption that 96 Futuros were manufactured.

Using a similar rationale of "common wisdom" I am including in this version of the statistics the Wanli "Futuros" and the "Googies". While it does seem like the Wanli "Futuros" may possibly be something other than "Futuros' and the "Googies" are definitely not Futuros, modified or otherwise, most articles and web pages do refer to them as such and so for the purposes of this version of the "statistics" I am including them.

In the end either this version of the "statistics" may be correct, the one above may be correct or maybe neither is correct - you be the judge! For what it is worth I now tend to the "70" version above based on my judgement of the reliability of the source of that production estimate.

In either case the statistics are based on "confirmed" locations and include existing and "demolished" units. Lost and/or rumored units are not included. All of my information is the most up to date I have but obviously some could [and likely is] out of date so if you have later data or corrections please let me know.

NOTES

I WANT ONE [OR IF I CAN'T HAVE ONE CAN I AT LEAST GET THE EXPERIENCE?]

[Update 072112] This Futuro has been located and is no longer for sale. For details see the Media Futuro page.

[Original content 091111] So you have seen enough? You have the bug? You want to live out your life in a cool, fully refurbished Futuro House. Me; I would love one as a second home on a lake or mountain or even both [how fantastic would that be - on a mountainside overlooking a picturesque lake] somewhere but I doubt I will ever have the resources to buy, transport and then refurbish one. For those of you who are somewhat better fixed than me in the financial department there is actually a Futuro on sale in the USA at the moment - at least as far as I can tell. The owner has a website on which he offers his Futuro for sale; the site does not appear to be dated though there are images on the site with a date of 010111 which clearly suggests the Futuro was for sale on that date. I have to assume that had the owner sold it he would have taken down the website so, as of the date of writing, 091711 I have to believe the Futuro is still for sale.

The image below shows the Futuro and clearly show that it needs significant restoration work to be habitable [there are many more images on the owner's website]. The owner is not making any attempt to hide this; in fact just the opposite, it seems that he is a passionate fan who hoped to be able to live a dream but finds himself in the unfortunate position of not having the resources to properly complete the restoration project and I for one respect and admire him for his wish to sell with the hope the Futuro finds an owner who will do it justice and give it the love [and money] it needs.

So - here is your chance to own your own Architectural Icon! Go for it!

Futuro For Sale - Location Unknown

Image Source: FuturoHouse.net

So what about those of us who will most likely never be able to afford to buy and refurbish a Futuro? Is there any way for us to have any kind of a Futuro experience given that the vast majority of Futuros still around are privately owned and not accessible other than as a view from the street? Well - the good news is there are several different options for you to be able to do just that.

Vacation In A Futuro In Wisconsin There is a Futuro for rent located on Lake Sumach in northern Wisconsin. Owner Drew Poggeman rents out the PodUpNorth from May to October. My guess is it would be a wonderful location for a romantic lake getaway for two or perhaps as an active "outdoorsy" type of vacation for the family. You can find more details and information on the PodUpNorth page here on The Futuro House Project or go direct to the PodUpNorth website to make your booking now. Futuro To Rent - Pod Up North _Image Source: PodUpNorth_Tour A Futuro In Berlin Cora Geissler owns Futuro #13 located on the banks of the Spree in Berlin. The Futuro is used as a second home and is in excellent condition. In the article "How I Learned To Love A UFO Cora describes how she became so passionate about her Futuro. At the end of the article she indicates that it may be possible to arrange a visit/tour of her Futuro. For more details and information visit the Berlin Futuro page or email Cora to inquire about your own Futuro tour - you can find the email at the end of Cora's article. Futuro Berlin _Image Source: Wikipedia_Relax With An Ice Cream In A Futuro Dave Hammond, owner of the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, IL moved a Futuro from Springfield, IL to his business in Livingston. The Futuro needed considerable work but Hammond's stated goal [Springfield State Journal Register article dated 012310] was to turn the Futuro into a " ... dining area with booths, where people can sit and eat ice cream." At the time of writing [092611] I don't believe this transition is complete but sometime in the not too distant future you should be able to enjoy a refreshing ice cream on a warm summer's day in IL and grab a little taste of the Futuro atmosphere at the same time. For more details and exact location see the Livingston Futuro page. Futuro Livingston Image Source: yooperann Check Out A Futuro In Texas Royse City, Texas is home to one of only two Futuros I have actually been able to visit. Sadly this example is abandoned and dilapidated. However it sits on what appears to be open land right on the side of the highway and you can easily pull in and take a look both outside and inside. In the state it is in you clearly cannot get a look at how a Futuro looked or felt when it was in original or refurbished condition but it does give you the opportunity to get some feel for the size and shape which in turn allows you to imagine the original condition much more readily. Is it the ideal Futuro experience? Of course not. But if geography time or money make it the only viable option for you I say it is well worth it. It was for me. For more information and the exact location check out the Royse City Futuro page. Futuro Royse City _Image Source: Grumpy Old Limey Original_An Adult Perspective On Futuro? For those of you of age and that way inclined there is a Futuro located on top of a Strip Club in Tampa, Florida. Now that clearly is not going to be everyone's ideal way to see a Futuro [not mine for sure] but it may be for some; each to their own I say. The Futuro is reported to be the club's VIP room; a whole new meaning to "out of this world" for those with the money and the inclination I guess. For details and location see the Tampa Futuro page. Futuro Tampa _Image Source: ferrett111_See A "Mint Condition" Futuro On Exhibition The original Futuro Prototype 000 has been fully and lovingly restored and, at the time of writing [092611], remains on display at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Hopefully when this exhibition ends in October 2011 Futuro 000 will be relocated and exhibited somewhere else; in my opinion it would be a tragedy if it did not remain available for Futuro fans to visit. Without a doubt this is the best, and possibly the only, opportunity you are likely to have to see a Futuro as it was originally designed and in mint condition so if you can take your chance while you have it. For more information and some great photos see the Futuro 000 page. Futuro 000 Netherlands Exhibition Image Source: Happy Famous Artists
Get Your Friends Together, Take A Ski Vacation In Russia & Enjoy The Use Of A Futuro
Futuro Dombai Image Source: WAM.org If skiing is your thing and you have the Futuro "bug" as well you might do worse than consider the Hotel Tarelka in Dombai, Russia for your next winter sports vacation. Travel deep into the Caucasus Mountains and get close to nature in its raw and awe inspiring beauty as you rent a small group of cabins for your party of friends and a Futuro is your "mess hall" for dining and other communal activities. The "hotel" is rented as a whole for a group of 8-12 so get your friends together and experience Futuro as it was originally intended. For more information check out the Dombai Futuro page or the Hotel Info page hosted on Dombai.info.

BITS & PIECES - FUTURO STUFF THAT DOES NOT FIT ANYWHERE ELSE

In the course of my ongoing research into the Futuro House I have come across various things that do not quite fit into any of the pages or sections of this site and these are collected here.

FUTURO | THE CHILDREN'S BOOKS

On pages 92 and 93 of an old [Finnish?] children's craft book we find the Futuro House in the role of subject for a children's craft project.

The image of the book below is by edda-ruska and was taken 081606.

If anyone happens to know the name of this book or even where I might possibly obtain a copy please let me know.

Futuro - Vintage Childrens Craft Book

Jo Vargas Interactive Design & Publishing publishes a cool Children's Coloring Book called Sweet Homes. The book contains some 40 architectural images for kid's to color and among them is the Futuro House as seen bottom left in the sample shot from Jo Vargas' website..

Futuro - Jo Vargas Coloring Book

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FUTURO | THE COMIC STRIPS

"Zippy The Pinhead" is an iconic American comic strip character created by prolific American cartoonist Bill Griffith.

Among the vast number of "Zippy" comic strips Griffith has created over the years there are three that feature the Futuro. Signed prints are available for purchase on the "Zippy" website.

The three Futuro strips feature [from top to bottom] the Frisco Futuro [published 080202], an unidentified Futuro [published 022209] and the Milton Futuro [published date unknown].

Futuro - Zippy - Frisco, NC

Futuro - Zippy - Frisco Again?

Futuro - Zippy - Milton, DE

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Stephen Ulman recently graduated Washington State University with a master's in landscape architecture; my congratulations. The image below is of a 2009 drawing Stephen [along with Ryan Anderson according to the drawing's tag line] did of the Gulf Breeze Futuro.

On his blog Stephen says "I drew this from a photo and added my own improvements to the property." Looks pretty good to me; if I ever manage to buy my own Futuro you might just have a job Stephen!

Futuro - Stephen Ulman Drawing

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FUTURO | THE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

Nemo Niemann is an accomplished and successful professional American photographer. The photo below, titled "Future Shock - The Saucer", won a nomination in the "6th Annual Black & White Spider Awards". The photo is of the Milton, DE Futuro; the final image is of course photoshopped but only for lighting and the removal of unwanted elements. I happen to love black and white photography and this superb shot by Nemo is no exception.

A full color version of this same shot can be found on Nemo's website here; there is a also second shot that features the Futuro here.

Future Shock - The Saucer By Nemo Niemann

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FUTURO | THE FASHION STATEMENT

There is one thing that is certain about opinions; there are as many opinions as there are people. Where one sees treasure another sees junk, where one sees something as interesting another sees the same thing as boring. I have never been much for advertising; I have a job where sales people contact me; I hate sales people, if you try to sell to me I will not buy your product even if I need it. Advertisers, in my opinion have some strange ideas about what might encourage people to buy their product.

For example; in Summer 2010 fashion house Diesel came up with what, to me at least, was a somewhat bizarre advertising concept; suggest that people "be stupid". To be honest I would have thought that counter productive - tell my target market to "be stupid" - does that not imply that I "am stupid"? If I was not already stupid how could I now "be stupid"?

Anyway I digress; what is interesting here is that one of the images used in the advertising program featured a Futuro House. It is unclear which Futuro is used, why there is smoke emanating from it or what the native American has to do with it but it does feature the Futuro and so it has a place here.

Check out the images below and see what you think; would that encourage you to buy Diesel? The second image is taken from Diesel's "Be Stupid" catalogue, a pdf file that can be downloaded here.

Futuro Diesel Ad 1

Futuro Diesel Ad 2

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On the website Simtropolis, a fan site for the game Sim City 4 we find the Futuro House used as the basis for a game mod.

ancientsociety has created a mod for the game Sim City 4 that adds the Futuro House as one of the buildings available to the player when constucting their virtual city.

Futuro - Simtropolis 1 Futuro - Simtropolis 2

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The Futuro House inspired several very simlar projects over the years and one of them was the Tony Gilbert designed Aqaushel which could be described as a floating Futuro "look alike".

The February 1984 issue of Popular Science included a short article on the Aquashel. The image below accompanied the article and is reporduced from my copy of the magazine.

The Aquashel - Popular Science February 1984

The article does not indicate whether Gilbert was inspired by the Futuro but it seems, based on the evidence, that we can assume that "beyond a reasonable doubt" [to use a term nore normally associated with the legal system].

The article tells us that Aquashel, much like Futuro, was designed for ease of production and transport, on site assembly and that it was constructed from 20 [unlike Futuro's 16] segments. Once you take that information and then take a look at a photo, for me at least, the Futuro influence is evident.

There does not seem to be a whole lot of information out there on Aquashel though I have found a couple of references; an archived Wirral Globe article from 022106 and a forum discussion on Wirral History.

Aquashell cost between £40,000 and $60,000 so it was more costly than Futuro [though some 10 or so years later] and was designed to be located on water and not on land. The very cool photograph below by nancyo21 was taken in 1985.

The Aquashel - nancyo23

Recently I received an email reporting a Futuro on the coast around Athens, Greece. The email contained a link to the photo below taken by Marios Moros 092009.

Xasteros - Marios 1

Of course I had never come across any references to a Futuro in Greece so this was exciting - for about 30 seconds! At a first and brief glance the image does show something that appears Futuro like but after the initial excitement it becomes very clear that this is not a Futuro. This is actually a photo of a prefabricated building designed by one Nikolaos Xasteros and what is really interesting is that there are many similarities between this and the Futuro both in the actual design as well as in "the story". You can read more about this "non Futuro" here.

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J.W. Walls offers this mural/wallpaper featuring the Futuro House that can be printed to match the exact dimensions of your wall [with a suggested maximum width of 3230 mm]. The cost is $185 and up.

The image below illustrates how the mural might look.

Futuro - Mural By J.W. Walls

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Update 112312

I had seen this photo many times before but the similarity between the photo and this painting had simply not registered with me. Achim Breiling pointed it out to me the other day and as he rightly suggested it certainly looks as if this photo [courtesy of Open Buildings] was the inspiration behind Donald Short's painting.

Original Notes 101312

Donald Short is an artist who lives in the university town of Oxford, England with an interest in architectural forms; you can check out Donald's work on his website.

In 2009 Short painted a work he titled simply "Futuro". Though of course I am not certain I cannot help but think that the painting must have been inspired by the Dombai Futuro. The angle of the land below the Futuro, the snowy hillside location, the impression of a valley in the background with mountains on the other side; all of these things lend credence to the idea that this is a representation of the Dombai Futuro. Let me know what you think.

Futuro Painting - Donald Short

In 2005 German artist Katrin Plavcak painted a Futuro; the painting is shown below and you can find it on Katrin's website here. Given the painter's nationality, the location by water and among trees and the appearence of the antenna on top of the Futuro it seems almost certain that the inspiration for this painting was the Berlin Futuro.

Futuro Painting - Katrin Plavcak

A work entitled "Paysage nocturne avec mer de nuage et maison Futuro, 2008" was painted in 2008 by Alain Fraboni. Google translates the title to "Night landscape with sea and cloud Futuro house, 2008". The painting can be found on Alain's website here.

Futuro Painting - Alain Fraboni

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FUTURO | THE PATENT [UNITED STATES]

On 112168 Matti J. Suuronen applied for a patent in the US for the Futuro House [assigned to Polykem AB]. The patent was issued 021070 as US Patent # D216542 and this patent is shown below. The patent can be accessed online here [Google Patents/Books] and if you wish you can download a the patent as a pdf file.

US Futuro Patent Page 1 US Futuro Patent Page 2

Interestingly while searching Google Patents I came across the following that appears, at least to me, to relate to the Venturo [also attributed to Matti Suuronen].US Patent # 227006 [shown below - download pdf here] looks to me to be for the Venturo but the recorded attribution to Polykem is by one Hannu Vilho Sakari Laitinen and not Matti Suuronen; contrast this with the image to the right which is of US Patent 240216 which is the nearest thing to Venturo a search for Matti Suuronen US Patents on Google Patents generates. Not suggesting Matti Suuronen was not the designer of the Venturo; it is well documented that he did so likely around 1971 [this patent though issued in 1974 was filed 1971]. There could be all sorts of reasons why the US assignor was not Matti Suuronen but the patent is interesting nonetheless. Matti Suuronen Patent - Venturo?

US Venturo Patent? Page 1 US Venturo Patent? Page 2

Polykem also registerd two other Matti Suuronen assigned patents in the US. One for a "Bath Stove" whatever that is and one titled "Enclosure For Telephone Station Or The Like".

Bath Station Telephone Enclosure

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Futuro Diesel Ad 2 The website Koussinus.fr appears to be both a Gallery and Storefront for Koussinus, a "Créateur d'objets textiles" or "Creator Of Textile Objects". Though the "Boutique" section of the site states that it is not an ecommerce site it is nevertheless offering items for sale.What has this to do with the "Futuro Fan"? Well, one of the sections of the site displays pillows embroidered with Futuros; round pillows as shown at left and also regular rectangular pillows; check them out here. The Futuro products page is headed with this "Clin d'œil aux années 60 et à la maison "Futuro" réalisée par l'architecte Matti Suuronen" which I think translates to a "Nod to the 60s and the "Futuro" home designed by architect Matti Suuronen."

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In 1971 Finland issued a stamp to commemorate the plastics industry; the stamp featured the Futuro House [Scott # 0190-0511]. The stamp was issued 102071.

Shown below is my collection of these stamps [a description of each type of example can be found here]. There are at least two other different First Day Covers that I know of; if you have a First Day Cover different to the one shown or know of one for sale please let me know.

The Futuro Stamp - My Collection

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FUTURO | THE TELEVISION SET

The Berlin Futuro served as a set in a German children's TV series, Terra Max [German | Google Translate to English here]. It was used as a backdrop for outdoor scenes and the interior was staged as a kind of "mad scientist's laboratory". For more information see the Berlin Futuro page.

The image below shows the Futuro as it appeared in the TV Series.

Futuro - Curtis Associates 1

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You know you are getting older when you look at something, don't really understand it, and conclude it is something definitely "for kids". I have absolutely no idea what this website is all about or what anyone would be doing on it other than someone like me wondering what someone would be doing on such a website.

On the site Curtis Amusements tells us that "First and foremost, it's about having fun. It's also about publicity, and if you're reading this, it's working. Curtis Amusements creates and develops entertainment content, and unlike some other outfits that claim they do too, we'll actually try to entertain you while you visit our website (not just throw a bit of sliding text and a blaring tune in your face and leave it at that).

Whatever it is all about the designers of the site chose to use the Futuro as the basis for some of their graphical imagery as shown in the two screen captures below.

Futuro - Curtis Associates 1

Futuro - Curtis Associates 2

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A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE - A PHOTO GALLERY

The pages of "The Futuro House Project" display a large number of images of Futuro Houses and link to an even larger number of non CC images on their original sites. Almost all of these are on the individual Futuro House pages and are designed to illustrate the appearance and/or location of the particular unit.

This gallery is something a little bit different and is designed to showcase images featuring Futuro's that are a little out of the ordinary; the odd, the bizarre, the creative, the cool all have a place here. A Futuro may be paired with something, perhaps the photo features a different, unusual or obscure perspective, it's composition may be exceptional and so on. The thing common to all images featured here is that they are more than just a photograph of a Futuro, they are photographs that stand out as photographs in their own right.

If you have a photo that fits the bill why not have me add it here - you never know you might end up being the proud photographer who took "THE" Futuro photo and earn yourself a little traffic to your photostream or web site along the way.

Please note that if you choose to rate the photos [and please do - I am interested to see what you think] the ratings will take a few minutes to update and you may need to reload this page to see your rating reflected in the overall rating. At the start your rating may significantly change the overall rating. Over time as more Futuro and/or photography fans rate the photos an individual rating will "move" the overall rating less.

Futuro - Church - Location Unknown

"The Church" sent to me by Achim Breiling. Thank you. | Date Unknown | Location Unknown

[Edit] Image source now identified. This great photo was taken by Roy DiTosti. This and other examples of Roy's very accomplished photography can be found at Roy DiTosti Photography. Roy tells me the photo was taken in Atlantic City, NJ around 1976.

The Futuro has seen many uses over the course of the last half century or from banks to offices to homes; but how about a church? I have no idea where this photo was taken or if it actually was used as a church; who knows but it certainly seems possible. It is also worth noting that this is one of the few examples with what appears to have about half the number of windows than a typical Futuro. The history of the Willingboro Futuro seems relatively well defined so it is possible that this is an image from the past of the Covington Futuro for which I have less history and which also features this configuration of windows.

Futuro - Smart Car - Maebashi

"FUTURO & SMART in Maebashi" by Maniackers Design | Date 050509 | Location Maebashi

A meeting of late 20th century innovation and early 21st century innovation. So far the Smart Car seems to have been more successful than the Futuro - certainly in numbers though perhaps not yet in "cult" status. Going on what I saw on my last two visits to Europe they are everywhere and here in the US they are starting to show up more and more. Interestingly it was the high price of gas that was largely to blame for the fate of the Futuro and it seems likely that the high price of gas is at least in part responsible for the success of the Smart car.

Futuro - SUV Anyone?

"So This Is How You Move Them" by Forgotten Fiberglass | Date 010312 | Location Media

OK - so this one is a little "Tongue in Cheek"; obviously photo shopped but a fun photo nonetheless. I have never had to move a Futuro [though i would love to have the time and money to buy, relocate and restore one] but I am sure those that have would have loved it if it were this easy. Check out the Forgotten Fiberglass for details on the purchase and upcoming relocation and restoration of the Media Futuro.

Futuro - Ice Cream Anyone?

"Twistee Treat & spaceship in the snow" by yooperann | Date 123009 | Location Livingston | CC 2.0

So the Futuro started out life with the plan to be an easily portable ski-cabin. It was manufactured to retain heat and be comfortable in cold climates. It must have worked! Perhaps it worked too well? And if you got too hot snuggled up in your Futuro with the snow all around then maybe an ice cream was just the ticket. At the Livingston Futuro you would not have to go far.

Futuro - Scarecrow

"aliens in da town" by POSITiv | Date 051707 | Location Berlin

Ever wondered how scarecrows get to where they are at? Ever wondered about those "crop circles"? Maybe the two go hand in hand!

Futuro - Alien Eyes - Berlin?

"alien eyes" by jonas_k | Date 051707 | Location Berlin? | CC 2.0

A really cool "perspective" shot of the Berlin Futuro? This images is tagged a being Berlin but it also has the tag "guessedberlin" and I am not sure it is the Berlin Futuro. Every image I have seen of that one shows a Futuro painted white and yet this appears to be an image on one painted yellow.

[Updated 081212] It has been confirmed that this is indeed the Berlin Futuro. While the Futuro does appear to have a slightly yellow appearance in the photo this is a function of the lighting at the time and the angle the photo was taken from and the Futuro was actually white despite the slightly different color appearing in the photo.

Futuro - Lost Soul - Royce City

"Lost Soul" by The Grumpy Old Limey | Date 091411 | Location Royse City

The Royse City Futuro is not the best maintained example; it is abandoned and uncared for or at least that is how it appears. For the most part I am not a lover of graffiti but in this case it seems the "artist" was extremely descriptive. Perhaps the Futuro will be "found" one day.

Futuro & Futuristic

"Rocket Ship / Rocket Car" by Forgotten Fiberglass | Date 091211 | Location Livingston

A meeting of the "futuristic" and the "futuristic"; both fiberglass creations and both "uber" cool. I have no idea exactly what the car is, when I have the time I will explore Forgotten Fiberglass some; I am sure that information will be on there somewhere. As for the Futuro, though it is not stated, what I can see of the location and the color/condition of the Futuro suggests this is the Livingston Futuro.

What? Aliens have fur, four legs and a tail!

"So Now We Know" by agilitynut of RoadsideArchitecture.com | Date 050312 | Location Livingston

Traditionally the proverbial "they" have mostly referred to aliens as "little green men". Clearly that is not the case; they have fur, four legs and a tail. I always figured that there was more to dogs than met the eye, they are too darn clever - perhaps all the time we spend training them is just a con and it is really them training us using reverse psychology. Seriously though this photo by Debra Jane Seltzer of her "kids" at the Livingston Futuro is a great shot. Debra runs the website http://www.RoadsideArchitecture.com which is a treasure trove of images from all across the USA - check it out. Debra also blogs about her experiences on the road trips she takes to collect her photographs; this photo is from one of her blog posts here.

BaCk To The Futuro - Futuro & DeLorean

"Back To The Futuro" by Jeremy Popp on DMCTalk.org | Date Unknown | Location Carlisle

Ok so the intended pun in naming this fantastic photograph is a little lame; give me a break - I never said I was a great writer or particularly creative. There is something of a parallel between the DeLorean and the Futuro; both could be said to be "futuristic" at the time they came out [and arguably still so today] and both ultimately failed in the "mass" commercial sense but subsequently achieved something akin to "cult" status. I often find the "green eyed monster" stalking me when thinking Futuro and Jeremy Popp and his Delorean seem to give rise to a similar feeling. Seems like the Futuro and the DeLorean just go together like "peas in a pod".

Reflections - WeeGee Futuro

"Reflections" by lwsdm | CC 2.0 | Date 061212 | Location Espoo

lwsdm took a great set of photos of Futuro 001 now on display at the WeeGee Exhibition Center, Espoo, Finland. I particularly like this image which shows the Futuro only indirectly as a reflection in the exhibition center windows. One of my favorite Futuro shots.

Sphere - WeeGee Futuro

"Sphere" by Christophe Brutel | Date 090212 | Location Espoo

Christophe Brutel took an awesome set of photos of Futuro 001 now on display at the WeeGee Exhibition Center, Espoo, Finland. Several use a filter to create a "spherical" appearance to the image and this particular image has become one of my favorite Futuro shots.

If you have a photograph or photographs that you would like included please let me know. You can use the "Futuro Contact Form" below or you can email me. All images used will receive attribution by means of a link back to your original photo, blog or other web page as specified by you.

COLLECTOR'S CORNER - MY COLLECTION OF THINGS "FUTURO"

So the inevitable happened, my interest in the Futuro House grew and grew and grew and eventually I got bitten by the "collector" bug. Books, magazines and anything at all Futuro related is now my target. If you suffer from the same bug click on the links below for photos and a little more information on each of these items.

If you have anything Futuro related for sale, you know of anything for sale or you know of a book or magazine that references the Futuro please let me know.

I am interested in purchasing a copy of the book "He Was There, Too" by Rosaline Redwood [ISBN-10: 0533128102]. If you know of a copy of this book available for purchase please let me know.

MEMORABILIA & COLLECTIBLES | UPDATED 100713

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BOOKS | UPDATED 101913

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MAGAZINES | UPDATED 092813

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NEWSPAPERS | UPDATED 101913

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RESOURCES - WEB, MEDIA, VIDEO, PRINT

Note that this is a just sample list of some available resources not a list of specific sources used in research for this article and it's associated pages; a list of general sources referenced in this main page can be found at the bottom of this page and in addition each specific Futuro House page contains a list of sources relating to that specific location. There are resouces referenced and linked on most pages of this site so do not expect everything to be in this sample list.

Perhaps the most complete resource available on the Futuro House is the book Futuro - Tomorrow's House from Yesterday By Marko Home and Mika Taanila. The book was a natural follow up to Mike Taanila's 1998 film "Futuro - A New Stance for Tomorrow" and a DVD of the film is included with the book along with an additional 45 minutes or so of rare and foreign footage. The book is not cheap but if you can find a reasonably priced copy it will not only be a fascinating read but it could also quite possibly be a sound investment as copies seem to range in price from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. A review of the book can be found here.

Of course if you have no wish to spend that kind of money on a book there are plenty of other resources out there; a Google search for "Futuro House" will return thousands of results. Some of them that I have found interesting are listed here but you may well find your own. Let me know what you find out there - I am always looking for newer or more accurate information.

ACADEMIC & MUSEUMS

DOCUMENTS

ONLINE - GENERAL

ONLINE - IMAGE GALLERIES

ONLINE - MEDIA

ONLINE - MUSIC VIDEOS

ONLINE - VIDEOS & VIRTUAL TOURS

PRINT - BOOKS

Yes - before you ask - these books are linked to Amazon. I am not trying to persuade you to buy them. In fact, even with my obsession, to date I have purchased only some of them. Many of the books have only a page or two related to the Futuro and in almost all cases you can see that content online before choosing to buy [mostly at either Google Books or on Amazon].

Having said all of that if you did plan to buy one of them and it was priced right on Amazon could it hurt to do so from here. It would cost you the same but it would also push just a little my way and every little helps me keep up this site and continue to research the Futuro and add new and updated content. So if you enjoy this site and there is a book you are going to buy anyway consider using these links.

I offer only one opinion; the Marko Home book could be considered an investment. Out of print now and very expensive it does seem to be increasing in value. When I first started researching Futuro's it mostly cost around 200;thatnumberisnowaround200; that number is now around 200;thatnumberisnowaround350 and up.

PRINT - MAGAZINES

PRINT - NEWSPAPERS

FUTURO CONTACT FORM

Please use this form to suggest additional sites or information, corrections or updates to existing data or for questions regarding image or media attribution - basically anything Futuro. If you provide your email address it will be used to respond to your submission only and then deleted unless you check yes to be added to the mailing list. In that case your email will be used for that one purpose and the only emails you will receive will be advising you that updates to the "Project" have taken place. As with most things this site will improve only if it's readers provide feedback indicating what I can do to make it serve their needs better and I encourage and look forward to all feedback be it positive or negative.

I would also encourage the use of the comment form below for general comments and discussion that all Futuro aficionados can take part in. There is a great deal of factual information here but there are also opinions - how the Futuro came about - success or failure and so on - and lively debate about opinions is what keeps the world, and in particular the web, a tickin'.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

081212 - A Note On My Use Of Images

All images used on thse pages are attributed by means of a name and a link to the original image or article containing the image. Where necessary permission to display the image has either already been given or there has not yet been a response to a request for permission that was made at the time the image was added.

I used to wait until I got a response to requests before publishing but in 100% of requests made since I started this project around 12 months ago I have always been given permission to use images.

Therefore going forward I intend to request permission as I always have but publish images with appropriate attribution at the time so I do not subsequently have to go back and edit pages to add them.