A blog on the creation of


XANADU
House of the Future
1/4"=1' Scale model

 

I've had an obsession with a roadside attraction in Orlando Florida ever since I first went through it some 20 years ago when I was about 13 years old. It was called Xanadu: House of the Future. It was created using custom made balloons and spraying them from the inside with a form of insulation foam. It's concept was "architronics" the integration of architecture and electronics. About 6 years ago I was able to see it one last time (and fully rekindle my interest) before it was torn down. I just can't seem to get enough of it so I'm rebuilding it... as a scale model.

From the start I knew this project would be one that would take some time. I also realized that it would be too much of an undertaking if I was to try and duplicate the original. As it was, the original was much bigger than it needed to be. It was meant to be a "showcase house". So, I've created the house I would want to live in. I've kept my favorite elements from the original, and I'm adding a few of my own. Here's how it's coming along...

 

 

 

02/25/09 Much like the original, my Xanadu was created with balloons. I had originally attempted to create it using a urethane foam, but it proved inconsistent. I settled for a pulp/clay that I was able to roll out (like cookie dough) and lay on the balloons. Taking into account the weight of the clay on the balloons it worked out great.


02/28/09 One of my favorite elements of the original was a recessed dining room table. The table is level with the outdoor pond. You can also see the beginning of the "Electronic Hearth", and the Sensorium (extra sensory television viewing room).


03/02/09 Here, I have started to build up the ground around the house. You can see the green house attached to the kitchen.

3/15/09 I added some green paint (soon to be covered in miniature foam turf "grass") to the landscape and split the house open so that back comes off. The blue in the pond is paint soon to be replaced by a plastic water (or epoxy).

3/24/09 I built a stairway onto the side of the Sensorium which leads upstairs to the Balcony, Master Bedroom, and children's room. These will be carpeted. On the exterior I installed a kitchen window, as well as the pole to hold the satellite dish.


4/1/09 I installed a hexagon shaped window. The inside will eventually have a green carpet.

7/01/09 The inside is getting more walls and rooms. I've also done some landscaping, adding water in the pond, grass, and shrubbery.

07/01/09 I've added some scale ghost people. Due to computer issues, I haven't been able to get the latest picutres onto the site. The interior now has carpeting, and some furniture... I'll have those up as soon as I can!

To be continued!

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