THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW will make you want to hug your local teenager and move into a geodesic dome home 

by Lisa Johnson Mandell

If ever a film were made for someone like me, whose passions involve movies/architecture/design/real estate, The House of Tomorrow is it.

It’s a thoughtful coming-of-age tale of Sebastian, a teenager (Asa Butterfield) who’s lived a sheltered life in a geodesic home called “The House of Tomorrow” with his Nana (Ellen Burstyn), and what happens to him when he emerges from the confines of his dome and his belief system.

Nick Offerman stars as the youth leader who brings a group to tour the home, and Alex Wolff is his ill, punk rock loving, disease ridden son and catalyst.

But in truth, the gorgeous geodesic dome home is also a star of the show.

It’s no surprise that the film’s director and co-writer, Peter Livolsi, says dome homes are easy to swoon over. “Being inside of a geodesic dome feels both alien and familiar,” he says, “and there’s so much to love about them. Compared to typical structures, they’re less costly, quicker to construct, and more energy-efficient. What makes them so appealing is that they’re a vacation from our world of right angles. They offer a welcome escape from the norm.”

Geodesic dome homes have the most fascinating history. Futurist and architect Buckminster Fuller conceived the geodesic dome in the belief that the shape of these rounded dwellings was the most efficient use of resources possible, and that the homes were ideal for mind, body, and spirit. You’ll find out a lot more about Fuller, his unique ideas, and geodesic dome homes themselves in the film, which would make it worth a watch in and of itself, if the story and actors weren’t so compelling.

Watch THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW Trailer:

And just in case you think geodesic dome homes are a thing of the past, they are still very much alive and kicking, and some of them are even for sale right here in Southern California. I did a roundup of them for Realtor.com. Here are a few of the highlights:

37849 W Johnson Lake Ln, Marcell, MN

Price: $129,000
The roundup: This adorable cabin in the woods is a Fuller original! It’s based on the concept that the spherical structure is ideal because air and energy are allowed to circulate without obstruction, which enables heating and cooling to occur naturally. Built in 1973 on 6.3 acres on Minnesota’s Johnson Lake, this two-bedroom is worth diving into.

35685 Lake Summit Dr, Temecula, CA

Price: $775,000
The roundup: Double your fun! It’s two connected geodesic domes sitting on over 20 acres of land that overlook Lake Skinner. This three-bedroom dome offers remarkable views from almost every room. It’s also an ideal horse property, with oak-studded trails nearby.

5777U S Rt # 23, Chillicothe, OH

Price: $349,900
The roundup: Designed and built by the original owners in 1986, this dome sits on secluded acreage in the hills of Southern Ohio, just off a major highway. Unique features include Brazilian Cherry wood flooring, a completely fenced yard, a detached garage, and plenty of space for the show dogs in a 30-foot by 50-foot Steel Butler Building with five large kennels.

5825 E Saguaro Rd, Cave Creek, AZ

Price: $469,000
The roundup: This rare desert dome home has been a recognizable fixture in Cave Creek since it was built in 1984. The listing suggests the property is perfect for an equestrian ranch or “serenity center.” It currently has four bedrooms and two baths, but zoning currently allows for one additional pad/building—in case the whole “serenity center” idea comes to fruition.

3349 Via Perlita, San Marcos, CA

Price: $579,000
The roundup: This dome home in North San Diego County has a distinctive paint job—it’s painted like a red-and-white barn. Plus, there’s a distinct income opportunity—the first floor has a kitchenette and separate entrance, so it could be set up as a rental. It’s been on the market since February, and the price was recently chopped by $20,000.

Has this feature on THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW piqued your interest in the film? See if it’s playing at a theater near you on Fandango.com.