Futurohus - Flygande Tefat

Futuro's Space-Age Origins

Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro house emerged as a visionary prefabricated shelter made from fiberglass-reinforced polyester. Conceived as a portable ski chalet, it promised revolutionary living with its lightweight, transportable design—each unit could be airlifted by helicopter and assembled in hours. The spherical shape, slightly flattened like a UFO, maximized interior space while minimizing material use, reflecting the era's fascination with modernism and space exploration.

Journey to Örebro's Aspholmen

In the mid-1970s, Swedish property firm W-Invest Fastigheter AB acquired this Futuro for branding purposes and transported it by truck to Örebro. Placed on the semi-industrial Aspholmen island along Skvadronvägen, it quickly earned the affectionate local nickname 'Tefatet'—Swedish for flying saucer—due to its unmistakable saucer-like profile. Today, it stands as a preserved relic amid warehouses and open lots, its glossy white exterior periodically cleaned to maintain its futuristic gleam.

Architectural Marvel and Rarity

Measuring about 8 meters in diameter, the pod features 16 slanted legs elevating it above ground, with circular porthole windows offering panoramic views. Inside, the original layout included a central fireplace-grill, compact kitchenette, bathroom, double bed, and multifunctional furniture for six. Production ceased around 1978 after about 65 units worldwide, making survivors like Örebro's exceptionally rare—one of just four in Sweden. Its cult status stems from this scarcity and bold aesthetic.

Cultural Icon in Swedish Context

Locals in Örebro instantly recognize the Tefatet as a quirky landmark, a tangible link to 1960s futurism. Previously occupied by an ad agency called Tefatet, it now houses Fogarolli, a design company that suits its creative vibe. The structure's endurance through decades of weather highlights the durability of Suuronen's engineering, while its isolation on Aspholmen invites quiet contemplation of mid-century design dreams unrealized on a mass scale.

Enduring Allure of the UFO Pod

Approaching the Futurohus, its elevated form dominates the skyline, evoking sci-fi fantasies amid everyday surroundings. The glossy surface catches light dramatically, and at dusk, it glows mysteriously. As a static exhibit of architectural ambition, it sparks curiosity about alternative futures—prefab homes for a mobile world that never fully materialized. Its presence in Örebro adds an eccentric footnote to Sweden's modern heritage.