Case Study #3: The UFO Houses

Architect: Based on a design by Matti Suuronen
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Year: 1978–unfinished
Status: Demolished
Program: Resort with approximately 138 residential units plus other amenities
Client: Yu-chou Co.

Located in the Sanjhih Township in Taipei, construction of the UFO houses began in 1978. Developed by plastics manufacturer Yu-chou Co., the idea for the design came from architect Matti Suuronen.

Construction stopped in 1980 when Yu-chou went bankrupt and in 1989, Tsai Chin-hsien, the president of a local beer house proposed Hung Kuo Group continuing with the construction to create a large beer house and resort. By the end of that year, construction was halted due to differences among the partners and since then, financial problems left the complex vacant and unfinished.

In early 2009, the complex was demolished with plans to turn the site into a tourist attraction by constructing hotels, beach facilities and other amenities.