"Flying saucer" house to be sold in Paris

PARIS, Nov 22 (Reuters) A futurist 1960s dwelling shaped like a flying saucer will go on the auction block next week in Paris, auctioneers Christie's said.

The ''Futuro'' house, created by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen between 1964 and 1968, features oval-shaped windows and an aircraft-style walkway up to the front door, reminiscent of the 1968 science fiction cult classic ''Barbarella''.

Planned as a modular housing unit light enough to be moved by helicopter and cheap enough to be mass produced, the Futuro house was first shown at an exhibition in London in 1968 and was shown recently at the Luxembourg Museum of Modern Art.

Christie's, which set an estimate of 150,000-200,000 euros (2,200-6,200), said the unit was one of a very small number still in private hands.

The auction will be held on November. 27, Christie's said yesterday.

REUTERS SZ RK0948