A Residential Design Citation of Merit is presented to the Donaldson Futuro House in Idyllwild, California. The Futuro House was conceived in 1968 as a portable ski chalet by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen. The futuristic structure is characterized by its ellipsoid shape and reinforced fiberglass construction. Fewer than 100 were ever built, and even fewer remain today. The Donaldson Futuro was in disrepair after years of neglect and damage, including an unsuccessful demolition attempt in 2002, when Wayne and Laurie Donaldson purchased it and embarked on an extensive restoration process. They repaired and repainted the exterior, recreated the original curved acrylic bubble windows, and conducted a structural analysis to ensure the house met modern seismic, wind, and snow load requirements. On the interior, the original Formica laminate countertops and built-in furniture were preserved, and the asbestos popcorn ceiling was replicated using safer materials. The project faced numerous challenges, from complying with California’s stringent energy and fire safety codes to addressing the unique structural characteristics of the Futuro. 

Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA and Laurie Donaldson

Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA (Preservation Architect/Restorer); Laurie Donaldson (Interior Design); Stuart Sawasaki, Architect MWD, FAIA (Project Architect); Eileen Magno, Architect MWD, FAIA (Historian); Jim King, JD King Construction (Contractor); Dora L. Dillman Construction (Permit Supervisor); Elbert Speidel (Plastic Consultant); Jim Miller, Riverside Co. Building & Safety (Inspector); Marko Home, Desura Oy Ltd., Finland (Futuro Author); Paul McNeil, Bryon Bay, Australia (Futuro Owner/Parts); Victoria Clarkin, Pensacola, Florida (Futuro Owner/Consultant); Eric Stover, SE, LZA Technology (Structural Engineer); Susan Buck, Paintchips (Color Conservator); Larry Wood, San Diego Boat Movers (Futuro Transport); Joe Sanderval, Marco Crane & Rigging (Futuro Transport); Charlie Clayton, Ajax Rock (Concrete and Stone); Mike Duron, Power Bound Electrical (Electrical); Dan Lind, Inland Foundation Engineering (Septic); Rigo Vazquez, Advance Fire Protection (Fire Sprinklers); Mike Clark, Woodwizard Woodworks; Earl Siems Carpentry; Rick Chaney Plumbing; J. C. Holt Surveying