In 1957, the Monsanto, “Home of Tomorrow” was unveiled at Disneyland in California. The modern marvel took years to design and construct. As the brainchild of the Monsanto, Company, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Walt Disney Imagineering, there had never been anything quite like it, except maybe on “The Jetsons”. Compared to a giant plus sign, it was set above the ground on a short pedestal-like foundation. The Winner Manufacturing Company of New Jersey handled the extensive fiberglass construction, right on site within the confines of the theme park’s “Tomorrowland.” The inside right angles of the + sign contained large plate glass windows and the home’s exterior color was in space age, dazzling white.

Heralded as “the home of the future”, it was made almost entirely of plastic and the interior featured numerous molded plastic components. Reputed to be an example of a home circa 1987, there were state of the art appliances such as a microwave oven and recessed dishwasher. At the end of its first 6-week run, over 435,000 visitors had toured the innovative residence.

So, just how did the “Home of Tomorrow” compare to some of today’s houses? Its kitchen probably contained the most interesting modern conveniences. Lots of built in storage, cabinetry with no visible hardware, and one hard plastic surface after another, certainly made it easy to keep clean. The microwave surfaced from its under the counter hiding spot with the push of a button. The dishwasher was powered by an ultrasonic wave system and served as the storage unit for all of the home’s plastic dinnerware. Perhaps the most advanced appliance the home boasted was the refrigerator, which consisted of three separate spaces: fridge, freezer, and hold on to your laser gun Flash!-an irradiation bin. What? No such thing at your house? Ionizing radiation is used to keep food from spoiling.

Throughout the rest of the home, plastic, wood, fiberglass, and manmade fibers were used. Along with the structural aspects, that is also what the furnishings were produced from. Those materials were deemed durable, versatile, rot resistant, water proof and easy to clean, and as for everything except the wood, easy to inject vibrant colors into for permanent, bright finishes. Most of the lighting was recessed overhead and the ceilings contained polarized plastic panels to reduce glare and shadows. Here’s a list of the other notable bells and whistles:

• Central HVAC system with a main control that allowed each room to have a different temperature, depending on the need. The integrated push button control panel also had a switch that could release one’s favorite air freshener into any room.
• Built-in stereo and recessed speakers in the livingroom
• Plastic flooring
• Hands free telephone system and a new-fangled push button phone
• Wall-mounted flat screen TV
• Bathroom lavatories could be raised or lowered to suit the user’s height. Also in the bathroom, molded storage attractively hid away towels and there were built-in recesses specifically for toothbrushes and razors.
• Closed circuit security monitor
• Two-way video communication system throughout the house
• Thermal paned plate glass windows with safety glass

Please be aware that the majority of the home’s innovations were only mock-ups and non-functioning prototypes. The microwave oven is the main exception. The home remained at Disneyland until 1967 and reportedly had 20 million visitors.

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Sadly, after 1967, it was torn down and the difficulties the wrecking ball company experienced are legendary. Its pedestal foundation could not be budged and has been painted green and converted to a planter as part of another attraction that stands on the same site.

Although it certainly had some conveniences that many of us could not imagine living without today, it lacked the warmth and coziness that most homeowners seek. While ultra contemporary interiors may sport some glass, metal or Formica, an eclectic mixture of textures seems preferable, regardless of a home’s architectural style. We are also much more aware of the dangers associated with plastics emissions!

Of course the powers that be regret demolishing the high-tech home. That’s why Disney has joined forces for a conceptual exhibit called the “Innovations Dream Home.” The $15 million project is a joint effort by the Walt Disney Corporation, homebuilder-Taylor Morrison, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, and LifeWare, software.