Re: 80s "Xanadu" Futuristic Homes Now All Gone

68g.1509 <[email protected]> wrote:
> https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13110535/Do-Xanadu-Houses-series-early-computerised-houses-built-survive.html
> 
> The Xanadu Houses were experimental homes designed to showcase
> new building technology and automation in the home. They were
> built in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Kissimmee, Florida; and
> Gatlinburg, Tennessee. None survive.
> 
> Xanadu was the brainchild of Bob Masters, a pioneer of rigid
> insulation as a building material. He created a system of
> giant balloons covered with polyurethane foam, which was
> then allowed to harden, forming a series of domed structures.
> 
> The rooms were controlled by Commodore computers. The kitchen
> featured an 'autochef', an electronic dietitian that planned
> and produced balanced meals and featured concepts such as
> teleshopping, CCTV and a health-monitoring system. Unfortunately,
> these ideas were way ahead of the technology, leaving visitors
> unimpressed.
> 
> . . .
> 
>   The Commodore-64 didn't even come out until 1982,
>   so these must have been the PET, mostly text-based,
>   computers. Still seemed "futuristic" in the early
>   80s though.
> 
>   The odd-looking foam-over-mesh construction really
>   ain't bad. They're fairly strong, although you have
>   to be careful about the exact foam mix or they'll
>   stiffen and turn to powder after awhile. Sprayed
>   concrete over mesh is the more modern solution.
> 
>   Dome-shaped, extensible, homes DO look weird, but
>   they ARE viable and fairly cheap/quick to do.
>   Worth another look in these days of super-expensive
>   housing.
> 

Haha! My exact reaction!