Located on the outskirts of Taipei lies a somewhat deserted beachfront resort, where you can stumble upon a fascinating collection of abandoned midcentury Futuro and Venturo houses. These futuristic-looking homes are a rare gem, adding an air of mystery to the serene surroundings. As you explore this partially deserted holiday retreat, you’ll encounter the final cluster of Futuro houses, affectionately known as “UFO” houses, in Taiwan. Moreover, it’s quite possible that this location boasts the largest grouping of Venturo houses anywhere in the world.
The deserted streets of this once vibrant beachside haven still echo with the sounds of surfers challenging the mighty coastal waves, evoking memories of the village’s golden era as a hub of midcentury futuristic allure.
These distinctive Futuro houses, conceived by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, resemble whimsical flying saucers. Initially conceived as lightweight prefabricated ski lodges, they were crafted for effortless transportation to various landscapes. However, the versions discovered in Wanli have traded their iconic UFO-style legs for less graceful ’70s-style pebble-concrete staircases.
The UFO-shaped house near the park’s entrance catches the eye with its fully functional airplane-style door and windows. Step inside this snug circular space, and you’ll discover a cozy sitting area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. While some of the other Futuros deeper within the park have seen better days, there’s a hidden gem that still seems to be in use as part of a larger structure.
This particular cluster, comprising approximately six Futuros, is nestled among a vast array of Venturo Houses, another retro-futuristic prefab model designed by the same architect. Unlike the Futuro, the Venturo never quite took off during its time and hasn’t experienced the same resurgence in popularity.
Rumor has it that there are fewer than 10 authentic Venturos in existence worldwide, yet this park alone boasts more than 10! Here lies the mystery: These dwellings don’t appear to have been officially authorized by Suuronen himself, and there’s a scarcity of publicly available information regarding their origins or even their construction dates.
