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Frank Lloyd Wright was determined throughout his architectural career to create architecture that was distinctly American. His work was always in pursuit of defining those formal elements that would create a dialogue between a structure and the landscape that contained it. His many residential projects were experiments in probing and refining his own distinct brand of modern architecture, one that departed from those votaries of Europe’s international style. Perhaps what feels the most unique to Frank Lloyd Wright’s work is that these buildings live among us. They pepper American neighborhoods, cities and school districts all across the country, some more ceremonious than others, but nevertheless they remain an accessible living archive of his contribution to the American building tradition.
A number of Wright’s homes have come up for sale recently, offering the opportunity for an even deeper examination of his work. This selection of FLW homes on the market from Brick & Wonder demonstrates the range of the master architect’s formal explorations, through his Prairie style and Usonian work to his drawing upon early Central American and Islamic motifs. While all might not be within the average enthusiast’s budget, readers can delight in the enduring legacy of Wright’s work.
Samuel Novarro House, Los Angeles, Calif.
The Samuel Novarro House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr. in 1928. The Mayan-inspired Art Deco house has been restored in keeping with the architect’s vision using Lloyd Wright signatures throughout, including oxidized copper accents on the front exterior. With an indoor-outdoor flow, this home exemplifies the Southern California style with swimmers pool, landscaped gardens and terraces. The house is located in “The Oaks” of Los Feliz, LA, and is listed as a historic monument. This masterful examination of materiality and form is on the market for $4,295,000.
Winslow House, River Forest, Ill.
Built in 1893, The Winslow house was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first independent commission. The residence, which was designed with an emphasis on simplicity, form and materials, would later be recognized by Lloyd as the first “prairie house.” Dubbed by some Frank Lloyd Wright’s “McMansion,” the elegant Winslow House is currently at an asking price of $1,375,000.
Derby House, Glendale, Calif.
The Derby House was designed by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, and completed in 1926. The Mayan/Islamic-style house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases the textile block technique used in several designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, who credited his son with inventing the technique. After visiting the house in 1993, the Los Angeles Times noted that “when struck by light, the blocks produce a kaleidoscope of lively light shapes and shadows upon walls, floors and other surfaces.” The Derby house was recently sold.
Penfield House, Willoughby Hills, Ohio
Intimate, spiritual and elegant, the Penfield House is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes. Built in 1955, it is one of less then 100 homes built with the Usonian philosophy. Notably long and thin in comparison to an average home, the house has a “floating staircase” supported by ceiling beams, a bottleneck entryway and several walls made almost entirely of windows. This rare Usonian home is now on the market for $1,700,000.
Houston House, Houston, Texas
The original living room and galley kitchen of the home carry Wright’s signature elements: stained concrete floors, concrete-block walls, large windows and natural wood, with built-in bookshelves designed in place and fixed along the walls. This ranch-style residence can be purchased for $3,195,000.
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