The Donaldson Futuro House is a rare example of 'space-age' residential architecture, currently listed for sale in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, California. Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro concept involved the production of approximately 100 fiberglass structures in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While many of these structures have succumbed to time due to the nature of their materials, this specific unit is noted for its extensive restoration and preservation, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places by both the National Park Service and the State of California.
This image illustrates the exterior of the Futuro house, highlighting its unique circular geometry and fiberglass construction.
Constructed from reinforced fiberglass-polyester plastic, the house measures roughly 26 feet 4 inches in diameter and 13 feet 2 inches in height. Despite its compact footprint, which provides about 793 square feet of living space, the interior has been engineered to function as a fully habitable home. The design maintains the original 1969 aesthetic—characterized by its circular, spaceship-like shell and distinctive windows—while incorporating a 'pop art' inspired interior. This includes custom-made curved furnishings, a deep blue sofa, and a kitchen designed to fit the circular geometry of the structure.
This photo provides a closer look at the specific architectural details of the restored Futuro unit.
The house represents a unique intersection of midcentury modernism and portable living environments. While the original concept by Suuronen focused on self-contained, portable dwellings, this specific iteration has been adapted into a permanent, high-end residence. The listing highlights the difficulty of maintaining such structures today, noting that few remain in the United States. Currently priced at $1,495,000, the property serves as a significant artifact of 1960s design, offering a glimpse into a period of architectural experimentation where the aesthetics of the space race were applied to domestic life.
This image shows the house's profile, emphasizing its compact footprint and unique shape.