Experience a blend of retro charm and futuristic design by staying in the iconic Area 51 Futuro House in Ōhoka, Christchurch, New Zealand. Just 25 minutes from the Christchurch CBD and airport, this rare and beautifully restored UFO-shaped structure offers a truly unique getaway.
This Futuro House, constructed from prefabricated white fiberglass-reinforced plastic, is one of only 12 ever produced in New Zealand. Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s, Futuros were envisioned as portable, prefabricated homes of the future. Globally, around 100 were made, with about 68 still in existence. New Zealand began producing them in 1973, and this particular Futuro has had a fascinating history.
Originally built in Christchurch, the house started its journey in 1977 at Lincoln University before being relocated two years later to Middle Rock Farm near Lake Coleridge, where it served as a water research station. By the 1980s, it was relegated to dog food storage at Dry Acheron Station.
In the 1990s, Richard Mee discovered the Futuro from a helicopter and purchased it, moving it to the Paringa River on the West Coast, where it became a fishing and whitebaiting hut. In 2018, Nick McQuoid acquired the structure, dismantled it, and transported it to its current location in Ōhoka. Painstakingly restored, the Futuro now reflects its original 1970s aesthetic, complete with vibrant colors and funky furnishings that honor Suuronen’s vision.
The Area 51 Futuro House accommodates up to three adults and two children, with additional sleeping space in the games room. The property also features a luxury tiny home that sleeps four adults and a rare Concord caravan for one. Guests can enjoy landscaped grounds, a swimming pool, an outdoor sauna and shower, and a spa pool. Nostalgia runs deep here, with retro and vintage items throughout, including a 1970s/1980s McDonald’s playground.
Futuro houses were ahead of their time, combining portability and innovative design. Suuronen’s goal was to create a prefab home that could be easily assembled and relocated, ideal for modern living. In New Zealand, these futuristic homes made a splash in the 1970s, with their bold designs inspiring wonder. This particular Futuro house, lovingly restored and reimagined, now offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests who want to step into a piece of architectural history.
Futuro house owner Nick McQuoid’s goal was to reinstate the design and décor that would have been common at the time it was built in the 1970s. He well and truly achieved that goal with magenta pink carpets and seats, purple ceilings, and beautiful vintage furnishings and décor inside and out.
The main living space in the Area 51 Futuro House certainly gives off 1970s vibes with the colors and furniture. The magenta-pink carpet contrasts with the purple ceiling, while the white walls give the eyes at least a little relief. The funky yellow furniture is a nice touch, reminding you of the Futuro house’s 70s origins.
A bedroom space for up to three adults and two children is tucked away in a nook adjacent to the main living area. A small ladder provides children with access to the small loft space.
There is no shortage of seating, that’s for sure! Large curved sofa encompass the Area 51 Futuro House’s entire outer edges. The funky cushions and magenta squabs are reminiscent of the 1970s.
When guests want privacy, they can block off the bedroom from the main living area with a vibrant orange curtain. Nick McQuoid thought of every small detail.
Guests love looking out the UFO-shaped windows during the day. However, you can also block them off at night with the funky purple curtains. These cleverly match the purple ceiling.
The white entrance and kitchen are a relief to the eye after staring at the purples and pinks of the main living area. The entranceway guiding you into the living space has a wall-mounted TV.
The well-equipped kitchen has an eclectic mix of colors to remind you of its era, including red, purple, orange, and white. There’s even a retro red fridge that works well with the red flooring.
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