One theme which distilled the collective imagination of the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s was that of the UFO. In an era when it seemed as if technology could make just about anything possible, architects and designers were planning and building homes that where exclaimed to be “Out of This World”. And justifiably so, as the following snapshots will attest. 

The ‘Mushroom House’ as known to those who frequent the Black’s Beach area of La Jolla, California, suggests a habitat made for extraterrestrial tourists. Its form is simultaneously futuristic and practical. Built during the summers of 1966-68, this was Architect Dale Nagle’s vision for potato chip baron Sam Bell.

“The Pavilion” as Mr. Nagle refers to it, was an eloquent solution to the challenges of constructing a seaside home at the base of a cliff. The dwelling is constructed of two, circular ribbed concrete slabs, one for the floor and the other for roof. Enclosing it are floor-to-ceiling panels of glass, sealable with blinds. This is perched atop a 25’ high masonry stem. The configuration resists natural forces such as quake, landslide, and storm. Man-made forces, such as intruders are resisted by the access system to the house - which is an electric entry drawbridge, and the dramatic tramway which scales the cliff face.

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