Wright Chat

Of course the site will determine the orientation of the house, especially if there are views, waterfront, a hillside. But there may be substantial sacrifice of comfort and operating expense here in the north when a house cannot have its major glass area facing S or SE. In a fantasy world perhaps, t...

I just got a notice from Amazon mine was shipped today.

Doug K

My experience in Minnesota's climate (and most likely the upper midwest) is an orientation towards SE as FLLW suggested allows a quick warmup of the house in the cool morning air, and protection from the sun as the day heats up. It also allows some nice shade to fall on the terrace just outside the ...

Wright never cared for vertical boards much, although they have been used as a fabric of the house. But here they would stand alone, maybe not so good. I don't see a problem with the white surround. It's honest and practical, and will have a curtain. It's all that white tile that is the problem, I t...

I'm guessing the reason for the framed glass on the perforated blocks of the tea house is so the inner windows can be opened to allow ventilation. It looks like only the outside half of the perf block was installed, unlike the main house where there is an inner and outer block sandwiching glass (may...

Peter, I agree completely with your statement and I am off with my thinking of any substitute that does not have historical precedence. Trying to think of a neutral solution because the original spec is so elusive here. Stainless steel was an acceptable surface for Wright, but that may be too far fr...

Most certainly we would not want to imitate wood grain. I am suggesting a laminate color similar to the wood color as there is no reliable reference for the specified laminate color. An exact match to the floor color would be preferable, I believe. Do you think Wright would specify green or yellow, ...

Considering the unknown shade of then original specified red, and Wright's dislike of shiny surfaces, would it be reasonable to substitute a laminate of a color that is more like the cabinet wood with a satin finish? Wright usually designed workspace (kitchen) cabinetry to be no different than the r...

It is interesting to note the beautiful arrangement of circles on the Jester house are not random, but laid out on Wright's usual grid, most apparent on the original concept drawing. One has to wonder why a plan would be started any other way.

Doug K

Early 1995 we stopped, with our two youngsters, in front of the A. D. German warehouse when an older man came from around back, well soiled and pipe fittings in hand. It was Harvey Glanzer, working on his warehouse. He then took us on a tour of the building, full of information. Said he bought this ...

A hybrid of Prairie and Usonian perhaps, but as Stafford pointed out during our visit, it is very much of Taliesin at the time.

Doug

I believe no loose furniture was designed for Seth Peterson, and this furniture was designed by the restoration architect.

Doug K

And the kitchen has disappeared (moved?), the dining space relocated. What a misunderstanding of this wonderful home.

Doug K

John Geiger's supervision and design work at Zimmerman, as well as his writings, convinces me he was among the most gifted of the Fellowship. I look forward to seeing his papers here in Minnesota in the future.

Roderick, my condolences as you endure the loss of your good friend.

Doug Kottum

Modern at Mid-Century: The Early Fifties Houses of Ingraham and Ingraham [Paperback] I have it at home, but haven't looked at it for years. I don't think there was much about her own life story, which would be interesting. She is the daughter of John Lloyd Wright, the Old Man's other architect son, ...