Unbuilt Design ... by Van Bergen

Roderick Grant · Post by **Roderick Grant** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:11 pm

What is odd about the plan is the gimmicky shape of the roof, a square hip that's been pulled apart at the corners. Also, the plan of the fireplace is common in WBG's work, but doesn't appear in FLW's until the Tahoe Project. That tight stair/entry arrangement is also more common in WBG's work.

(BTW, SDR, a note on usage: Discomfit was once used strictly in the sense of "to defeat," or "to frustrate." Now, through confusion with the unrelated word, discomfort, it has come to mean also "to disconcert, distress or make uncomfortable."
I imagine, in your usage, you intended "disconcerting"?)

SDR · Post by **SDR** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:28 pm

Indeed I did, and thank you.

Isn't the roof merely an elongated hipped roof, covering an irregular plan such that some windowed bays are nearly flush with the edge of the roof while elsewhere there is a deep overhang ?

The indication of rough stonework at the chimney is unusual for Wright, isn't it, and the irregularly-spaced ceiling beams and roof rafters are odd for him as well . . .

SDR

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Thu Feb 28, 2013 7:57 pm

Macrodex wrote:I don't know when WBG was employed by Wright; however, the plan is dated 1904, #0409, if anyone wants to look into it further.

WBG was employed by Wright from 1901 to 1906.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 4:25 pm

Macrodex,
The two-sided diamond-shaped fireplace hearth between the Living and Dining Room looks like others that WBG has done that were one-sided.

Macrodex · Post by **Macrodex** » Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:29 pm

I think we can safely assume the shape of the fireplace [not just limited to that design] could be an element "borrowed" by Wright from WBG -- wouldn't be the first time he was inspired by an employee.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Sun Mar 03, 2013 11:25 am

Macrodex,
While I couldn't agree with you more about artists being inspired by and "borrowing" from other artists. I have not seen an instance of Wright building a fireplace with a triangular brick hearth(the floor of a fireplace, esp one that extends outwards into the room). Someone will no doubt correct me if I am wrong.

dkottum · Post by **dkottum** » Sun Mar 03, 2013 2:51 pm

Paul, would the Boulter house qualify?

http://wrightboulter.com/Pages/Image11.html

Also, the Walker house. I remember more in unbuilt designs, but not sure this is what you are referring to.

doug k