80s "Xanadu" Futuristic Homes Now All Gone

[68g.1509]

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.