5 Futuristic Home Designs

 Future Living  

Architect Ron Akers looks at five futuristic house designs of today that point to the world of tomorrow.

C
ould the homes of the future include "flying homes" suspended by cables in the air, or perhaps even go as far as lunar living? These far-out home concepts offer a possible glimpse into how and where humans may be living years from now. But today, there are a number of futuristic homes either in the process of construction or already completed and livable that may provide a more realistic look at the homes of tomorrow.

Topo House

Underground homes are energy-efficient and popular among advocates of passive solar and sustainable architecture. This style has actually been around for about as long as humans have been building their homes, but it’s also said to be the wave of the future.

Related articles David Wood on the Lead Up to the Singularity  Robin Hanson Looks At Surviving The Future  Futuristic House Design Amazing House Design in Athens with Futuristic

The Topo House has a contemporary design with a futuristic look, yet its organic quality blends into the Wisconsin countryside. The lower level is totally enveloped by the earth, while the roof slowly surfaces with an observation deck providing views across the landscape. The roof also incorporates cutouts strategically placed to receive the rays of the sun through its glass walls for interior illumination, as well as underground portions to create a comforting, natural glow.

A complex, geothermal system is used to heat and cool the home, while the garden atop the roof helps decrease water runoff from storms as well as providing a cooling effect during the hot summer months. Living in energy-efficient, semi-underground homes has the potential to drastically cut down on energy costs from energy companies in the future.

The Earth house estate built by Peter Vetsch in Dietikon, Switzerland, incorporates a similar design philosophy. Photo by Archi0780 via Wikimedia Commons.

Arizona Bat Cave

A rather innovative abode — known as the "Bat Cave" for its resemblance to Batman's logo — is being built on Arizona's Mummy Mountain. The $30 million home is designed to make the most of the amazing views of Paradise, Ariz., with even the garage offering floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Komb House

The Komb House is an “eco-futuristic” concept that is anything but dull and boring. This bright and colorful home showcases cutting edge eco-technology and utilizes renewable energy sources like solar panel heated water, low energy LED lighting, reuse of pluvial and grey water, raised radiant flooring and energy efficient appliances.

Russian Capital Hill Residence

A Russian billionaire built this luxury villa made out of steel, concrete and glass for his girlfriend, supermodel Naomi Campbell. The sprawling mansion looks like a spaceship and is large enough to include an indoor swimming pool as well as a basement housing a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and Russian bath.

The home uses a blend of modern technology and organic form, appearing as a cluster of shiny pods tucked amidst a beautiful forested setting in Barvikha.

Jeju Cocoon House

Construction on the Cocoon House began in September of 2012, and is expected to be completed in 2015. The home on Jeju Island, Korea, was said to be inspired by the volcanic typography of the island. It revolves around a huge, spherical cocoon-like element that serves as the focal point for the building. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

By Ron Akers

Subscribe to 33rd Square

Author Bio - Ron owns a small architecture and design firm. He loves the simplicity and clean lines of mid-century modern.