Some people love traditional homes, while others prefer houses that stand out from the crowd and give us a glimpse of the future. The trend for forward-thinking and futuristic houses is nothing new. It has a history dating back to the rise of futurism in the early 20th century.
Futurism in Home Design
This artistic and social movement was started by Filippo Marinetti in Italy in 1909 and aimed to capture the dynamism and energy of the modern world. Those driving the movement were up to date with the latest technologies, and the impact of industry, and tried to bring this into their work.
His initial idea planted an influential seed, which grew and spread to other industries and nations. It also evolved. In architecture, it was seen as an opportunity to create a free and uninhibited approach to work. There was a shift towards architects using innovative new materials, geometric shapes, and dynamic lines to suggest motion and speed.
Of course, as time went on technology opened up even more possibilities and architects were increasingly able to use glass, steel, and concrete to push boundaries and create buildings like never before.
Modern Futurism
Today, many futuristic homes incorporate the latest energy-efficient products and materials, to give the lucky owners a combination of practicality and sustainability. Modular construction techniques and 3D printing also allow for designs that simply were not possible in the near past.
In this piece, we explore some of the world’s best futuristic properties. Each takes a unique approach, but what they all have in common is a standout look that gives us a glimpse of an alternative reality.
Capital Hill Residence, Moscow, Russia
The impressive Capital Hill Residence in Moscow is the only private residential project from the late world-renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. This four-level property, built in 2011, is located on a north-facing hillside in the Barvikha Forest and is owned by Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin. There are two sections to the property – one is blended into the hillside and the second is suspended over the forest. As you can imagine, it offers some incredible views.
The house is constructed from pre-cast and in-situ concrete, glass and steel. The upper levels of the house contain the entrance lobby, bedrooms, a study/library, and a lounge with an external terrace. The lower levels feature living and dining spaces, a kitchen, an entertainment space, an indoor swimming room, a sauna, a massage and fitness space, baths, and parking.
High Desert House, California, US
High Desert House is a remarkable home located in an arid and otherworldly landscape on the edge of California’s Joshua Tree National Park. The 10-acre plot sits within a cluster of huge boulders. The owners approached architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg with the project and his design makes remarkable use of a unique plot. The property uses 26 freestanding, curved concrete columns that blend into the natural environment, with every column embedded seven feet into the ground to give stability.
The designer spent five years working on the house until it was completed in 1993. The interiors are also a sight to behold, with an open plan layout and large, arched concrete pillars throughout. Designer John Vugrin spent 14 years creating the perfect décor and bespoke luxury furniture for the space to ensure it looked just right.
Klein Bottle House, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
The award-winning Klein Bottle House on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula is a futuristic holiday home like no other. The property, designed by McBride Charles Ryan, takes its name from the Klein Bottle, a geometrical object representing a non-orientable surface. The house sits a short distance from the beach amongst the trees on the dunes.
The interiors make full use of the property’s unconventional shape as the space is spread around an impressive central courtyard, while a spiral staircase connects each level. This is one holiday home that is a destination in its own right.
Wave House, Mikkeli, Finland
The Wave House in Mikkeli, Finland is a remarkable futuristic lakeside residence. The design was originally created for a similar site in Russia. That project never happened, but the design was so eye-catching that it eventually found its perfect match on a green slope among the trees in the Finnish countryside
The property’s pine wood, curved roof is shaped to resemble waves and is one of the most impressive features, along with its sizable, cantilevered terrace giving an amazing view of the lake and forest. Every part of the property is set up to make the most of its location, with the master bedroom and open-plan living area all offering gorgeous views. As you might expect from a property in this part of the world, there is also a sauna. This one stands out from the crowd by also having a fully glazed wall, offering even more opportunity to admire the view.
The home was designed by Finnish architect Seppo Mäntylä and uses a combination of pine, steel and glass. This is very much a futuristic vision of what a cabin in the woods could be.
Shapeshifter, Nevada, US
Shapeshifter is a futuristic home in Reno, Nevada and offers a great example of how to incorporate sustainability into an incredible building project. This three-storey property offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and was designed by San Francisco’s Ogrydziak Prillinger Architects.
The brief from the owners was to create a house that reflected both the American West and the contemporary moment. Inspired, the firm crafted a home that is angular in appearance and also is capable of complementing the landscape around it.
Futuristic properties come in a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, but it’s clear the most innovative architects and designers around the world are always looking to try new things and create showstopping properties.
