another Nu-sonian

[Paul Ringstrom]

by Tarantino Architects

article
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-demo ... ed_co.html

realtor listing
http://www.bobbeatty.com/homes-for-sale ... 14626/146/

[SDR]

Geez. If this is what happens when an architect wants to "do Wright" while steering clear of outright mimicry -- I say, "let the mimicry begin !"

The great mahogany ceilings of the Robert Berger house rise into the darkness, too -- but there, a tent is the result, while this barn goes nowhere -- for me, anyway. And, if there had to be joints in the boards, couldn't they have been staggered -- or covered with boards of the same width, perhaps -- rather than with these skinny strips ?

Maybe this house is from the formative period of the practice . . .

SDR

[peterm]

Built in 2001...

[SDR]

So . . . if we are to tolerate any sort of Nusonian, are we more likely to accept one which no one would mistake for Wright, or one that closely resembles a Wright design ? And why ?

SDR

[lang]

Perhaps a Nusonian that is "non-Wright" is more acceptable. It seems that too many homages to the old man arouse contempt rather than admiration. Are there any non Wright Usonians that stand out? If so then what makes the design pass muster?

[Craig]

Is the house currently being used as an orphanage?

[peterm]

The Tarantino house listing (the link posted above is no longer opening for me...)
http://www.weichert.com/50624378/

Perhaps a Nusonian that is "non-Wright" is more acceptable. It seems that too many homages to the old man arouse contempt rather than admiration. Are there any non Wright Usonians that stand out? If so then what makes the design pass muster?

There are indeed many fine ones. Here is one of the more recent postings:
http://architecturalhomesny.com/2013/09 ... 99000.html

http://www.savewright.org/wright_chat/v ... php?t=7383

What makes a domestic architectural design (Wright Usonian, non-Wright Usonian, nusonian, you name it...) pass muster? An overall theme, unity, proper scale, proportion, and siting, sensitive use of materials, careful detailing, a logical, efficient and functional plan, and a close connection to the landscape making the site better than it was previously. And most importantly, the design must respond directly to the real needs of the inhabitant, and serve to elevate their lives on a physical, intellectual and spiritual level.

Here is an architect who gets it:
http://www.laurievirrarchitect.com/2.php

[Roderick Grant]

To the extent that 'Nusonian' is complimentary, suggesting that the architect knows FLW's principles, and practices architecture based on them without aping his specific effects, Kelly Davis is about as Nusonian as they get. But the term should be shelved. Let every fine architect establish his/her own identity independent of Frank Lloyd Wright.

[peterm]

Kelly Davis:
http://salaarc.com/portfolio/davis-retreat/

[Paul Ringstrom]

Ken Dahlin:
http://genesisarchitecture.com

[Paul Ringstrom]

http://architectureforsale.com/address/1041/

[SDR]

On Ken Dahlin's site (above) the Cukic residence (last of the Prairie category houses) seems to be all of a (fairly rich) piece . . .


SDR

[clydethecat]

There's a very expensive Nusonian in my area. I've never seen it because it's in a gated community, but the four photos on the architect's site seem pretty impressive:

http://taggartdesigngroup.com/2013/02/2 ... residence/

[SDR]

Nice. When does a Nusonian become a Mansonian ? Some of Fay Jones's houses seem to fit the bill: deLuxe houses of apparent size and unmistakable finesse . . .

SDR

[peterm]

Isn't a "Mansonian" the 1938 Charles L. Manson house for sale in Wausau, Wisconsin?

Maybe you meant a Mansionian?