A Matti Suuronen Futuro House has been manufactured for the first time in decades and adorned by Finnish design brand Marimekko for Helsinki Design Week. This marks the revival of the iconic flying saucer-like structure, now gracing the Kaisaniemi Botanical Gardens, a key highlight of the Finnish capital’s annual design festival.
A journey from Facebook to fabrication
Originally conceived in 1968 as a portable ski cabin by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro House stands as a symbol of space-age architecture. Manufactured using fiberglass-reinforced plastic, it was once described by British critic Justin McGuirk as “the closest housing ever came to product design.” Meant for mass production, fewer than 100 were made due to the 1973 oil crisis inflating plastic prices. Around 60 survive globally, each in varied condition.
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The recent creation of a new Futuro was initiated in 2024 when Dutch-American architect Jan van Dijs, known for restoring mid-century houses, stumbled upon a Facebook post. A Finnish materials firm executive was selling the original Futuro moulds, sparking van Dijs’s interest in bringing the concept back to life.
Renewing an icon with Futuro House Revitalized
Van Dijs, who was only somewhat familiar with these structures, was intrigued by the possibility of recreating one. However, he recognized the need to secure intellectual and emotional rights to proceed. Overcoming initial resistance, Suuronen’s family eventually granted their support, aided by key advocacy from Jyrki Aho of Exel Composites.
In May 2025, van Dijs found the moulds in disrepair, yet decided to undertake their restoration with Ekin Muovi, a Finnish plastics fabricator. Their efforts aimed to produce a faithful reconstruction of Suuronen’s vision, utilizing original paint colors and materials, thus bringing about a fresh incarnation of the original design.
From mould to masterpiece
The painstaking restoration process was labor-intensive. Modern techniques that simplify air bubble removal in plastic moulding were unavailable, rendering manual intervention necessary. Despite challenges, the project also yielded unexpected treasures like Suuronen’s original furniture designs.
Fabrication spanned five months at a cost of approximately 450,000 Euros, with hopes for future units to cost under 300,000. Completed in June, the 21st Futuro House assembled on the Kaisaniemi lawns illustrates a blend of nostalgia and modern flair, effectively showcasing how it has been brought to life once more.
An interior for the future
Marimekko crafted a unique interior for the newly minted Futuro, envisioning future living with distinct areas for lounging, dining, and a kitchenette. Rebekka Bay, Marimekko’s creative director, described it as a vision aligning with contemporary trends towards minimalism and sustainability.
Furniture was upholstered with new textiles designed by Vibeke Rohland, reflecting a fresh take rather than relying on archival prints. This approach aligns with Marimekko’s philosophy of innovation, further emphasizing the spirit of this modern revival.
A limited future for Futuro
Post-design week, discussions continue regarding the Futuro’s permanent location. Van Dijs envisions its use as a summer cabin or other creative spaces. Despite its design challenges, the Futuro remains significant for its embodiment of post-war optimism.
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The casting moulds, likened to print plates, are nearing the end of their lifecycle. Van Dijs predicts four to six more Futuro Houses can be produced before the moulds are retired, marking a definitive phase of this resurgence.
Suuronen’s Futuro House, though compact and imperfect, shines as a relic of Finnish design vision and ingenuity, now spotlighted for new generations to appreciate through the lens of its rebirth.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Futuro House concept?
Originally conceived in 1968 as a portable ski cabin by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, the Futuro House stands as a symbol of space-age architecture. Manufactured using fiberglass-reinforced plastic, it was meant for mass production.
Who initiated the recent creation of a new Futuro?
The recent creation of a new Futuro was initiated in 2024 by Dutch-American architect Jan van Dijs, known for restoring mid-century houses, after he stumbled upon a Facebook post about the original Futuro moulds.
What challenges were faced in the Futuro House restoration?
Restoration was labor-intensive, as modern techniques for simplifying air bubble removal in plastic moulding were unavailable, requiring manual intervention. Despite those challenges, the project uncovered unexpected treasures like Suuronen’s original furniture designs.