Architect - Roy Mason

Roy Mason
29th June 1938 - 19th May 1996
Yale University School of Architecture - Masters

Works
Xanadu (1979-1983)
Star Castle
Experimental School built from insulation in Virginia
Mushroom House in Bethesda
Exhibits for the Capital Children's Museum

Roy Mason was the architecture editor of THE FUTURIST where he was part of the group that founded the world Future Society. He was also the first Executive Director of the Home Automation Association.
He was deeply interested about future architecture and thus produced a series of articles of the future. To raise awareness, he had produced a 'stunning slide show', winning a wide spread applause which was later produced in quantity and distributed. His film entitled "Toward the Future" was used by educators to teach the study of the future.

Though his heart was in innovative ideas and futuristic architecture, he earned his living by designing traditional-style homes. In the 1970s and 1980s, he built a variety of futuristic homes and other buildings using low cost materials and alternative energy sources.
He also invented architronics which was demonstrated in the Xanadu homes.




"He inspired us all with his enthusiasm and creative genius. We shall sorely miss him."

- Edward Cornish
THE FUTURIST Society President

Xanadu: The Retro Foam House of the Future


Xanadu Foam House, Cyriaque Lamar

Xanadu was first designed by Bob Masters and Roy Mason which started in Dells, Wisconsin. The home was run by electronic servants, commodore computer systems managed everything. This building attracted 1000 travelers a day maximum. However people became disinterested and it was closed due to the lack of interest. Eventually mold began to deteriorate the Xanadu home's structure and was then torn down in the 90s.

Xanadu Foam House, Cyriaque Lamar

What interests me in this architecture is the form of it. The shapes used are organic and can be easily linked to nature. Though it looks simple and natural, it was quite high-tech in the sense that it was entirely run was electronics. The exterior is plain but does not reveal the shape of the interior. Inside, it is filled nature's colours and forms of plants. Much more sophiscated than the exterior.

Star Castle, 1983

Star Castle, Ed Roman

Located in New Fairfield, Connecticut, Star Castle was built in 1983 by Roy Mason. Its form is similar to that of the Xanadu homes. But what interest me most about this is the location.


Star Castle, Ed Roman

From this view, it is as if the building is on a rocky hill. Everything is natural except the building. This gives it a sense of identity and thus stands out in its environment.

Reference

The Futurist, 1st September 1996, Ray Mason, Architecture Editor, http://www.allbusiness.com/professional-scientific/scientific-research/598742-1.html, [online], accessed 19th August 2010.

Ed Roman, 1982, "Starcastle", http://www.edroman.com/ed-romans-garage-sale/prop1.html, [online], accessed 19th August 2010.

CloudNight, Xanadu: The Retro Foam House of the Future, http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-80s-foam-house-future-xanadu, [online], accessed 19th August 2010.

WorldLingo, 2010, Roy Mason (architect), http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Roy_Mason_(architect), [online], accessed 19th August 2010.