Dezeen · Creativity & design

Futuro House Reborn: A Space-Age Icon Gets a New Life

A Matti Suuronen Futuro House, a distinctive 1968 space-age architectural design, has been manufactured for the first time in decades. The newly produced house was featured at Helsinki Design Week, decked out by Marimekko.

The Futuro House, a transportable ski cabin, was prefabricated in fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Production ceased after the 1973 oil crisis. Fewer than 100 were made, with about 60 estimated to still exist.

The revival began when architect Jan van Dijs learned of the original Futuro moulds being sold via Facebook. He acquired the moulds from Exel Composites.

Van Dijs faced challenges, including the moulds' poor condition and needing the architect's family's support. The nearly 60-year-old moulds were found in a field, requiring extensive restoration.

Working with Ekin Muovi, Van Dijs restored the moulds and recast panels using original paint colors. The one-part mould casting was labor-intensive, taking days per panel.

The project also reproduced Suuronen's furniture designs. Fabrication took five months and cost about 450,000 Euros. The 21st Futuro House was completed in late June.

For Helsinki Design Week, Marimekko designed the interior, dividing the space for modern living. Discussions are ongoing regarding the house's future, with a preference for public display.

Van Dijs plans to produce a limited run of new Futuro Houses, estimating the moulds can create four to six more. He sees the Futuro as an icon of Finnish design.

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