Fabulous... for Rattenbury. Usonianesque for sale

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:07 pm

next door to the Gillin House

http://www.dpmdifference.com/listings/9100-guernsey/

Definition: -esque
an adjective suffix indicating style, manner, resemblance, or distinctive character: arabesque; Romanesque; picturesque.

DavidC · Post by **DavidC** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:15 pm

I can't say that I'm a fan of the stone on this one. The pattern looks a bit too 'forced' to my eye - and the stone itself looks somewhat 'antiseptic' to me.

David

Roderick Grant · Post by **Roderick Grant** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:48 pm

The living room looks quite nice - less that rambunctious carpet - except, as TnGuy notes, the stonework, which is sterile. And that mini-mansard roof is almost comical. Rattenbury's work lacks focus. It's as if he cannot see what the building is going to look like before it's a done deal. The anti-FLW.

Actually, looking again at the interior of the living room, that prow-shaped window with the busy pattern doesn't work, either.

Jeff Myers · Post by **Jeff Myers** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 2:54 pm

I like the geometry of the Window in the living room. The living room actually reminds me a little of E Fay Jones or the Hoffman Residence. I love the stonework and the Copper fascia as well as the rug design in the living room.It isn't a bad house actually.

Paul Ringstrom · Post by **Paul Ringstrom** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 3:54 pm

In regards to stone work I prefer the random naturalized work of yellow limestone.

I thought the rug was quite nice.

The copper contrasted nicely with the stone. Keep in mind this is Texas. The house seemed "cool" which contrasts nicely with most days in Texas.

dkottum · Post by **dkottum** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 4:43 pm

It's lacking the lightness and grace of his mentor's work.

Doug

RA · Post by RA » Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:46 pm

The design on the front door reminds me of a creature from a video game I played a really long time ago...

JPB_1971 · Post by **JPB_1971** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 7:04 pm

Beautiful home in the materials sense, obviously well-appointed and well-built but agree that it is lacking something to make it a great house.

I thought about phrasing the following as a question, but it's self-evident that FLW's most successful apprentices (Lautner and E. Fay Jones come to mind) were those who ultimately ventured out on their own.

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 7:52 pm

I agree.

Another apprentice who seemed to be able to really grasp Wrightian space, but never ventured far from his master's approach was John Howe. IMO, Rattenbury's work somehow doesn't measure up to Howe's.

Eric Saed · Post by **Eric Saed** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:06 pm

Yep. Definitely a crap house. I hope the owners donate it to the City of Dallas and let the fire department burn it down for practice. Then, maybe a nice French Colonial can be erected on this prime piece of property.

I'm far from being Rattenbury's #1 Fan, but, I've seen this house in person and it is beautiful. And, criticism of the stonework is silly and snobbish.

Not a great house... I should be so blessed to live in such a place.

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:19 pm

I would love to live in the house, too!

But Frank Lloyd Wright set the bar so damned high, that when we see a house so clearly influenced by his work, it is difficult to not make comparisons. Please pardon any snobbery...

KevinW · Post by **KevinW** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:20 pm

Wow...tough crowd. Next it will be nominated for the "bad Wrightian" thread...
Like Eric, John R. is far from my fave Architect, but this exceeds many other apprentice efforts even Jack Howe.

http://www.freedomridgeestate.com/tourNW/05.html
I think it is a solid effort.

Eric Saed · Post by **Eric Saed** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:21 pm

I get testy at times. No offense meant to anyone.

My perspective is that today, 50+ years after FLLW's passing, we're watching the end of an age where architects who actually studied under Wright are becoming more rare as time marches on. Anyone who "gets it" today deserves their work to be highlighted. Modern building codes have eliminated much of the unique features architects could once design.

Were I rich & wanted to move back to Texas, I'd buy this house in a second. If I were told tomorrow that I could have a brand new house for $250K but had to build it from a stock plan, I could choose Rattenbury's "Life Dream House". Are either the best possible designs? No. But, they're better than 99% of what is available.

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:24 pm

The house is not even remotely close to deserving a nomination for "Wright Done Wrong".

A solid effort it is.

Eric Saed · Post by **Eric Saed** » Fri Feb 18, 2011 8:41 pm

Off topic, but, since Howe's name was brought up... there is big news coming up on finally exposing the world to Jack Howe's work! Stay tuned to this board & PrairieMod.