Wright Chat

Builder's Spirit Informs Reassembly of Frank Lloyd Wright House at Crystal Bridges


David

Can anyone think of a reason for the present builders to have spread mulch (?) on the roofs of the house ?

The free-curve approach path isn't, perhaps, quite "Wright" -- but the site seems most pleasant. The reconstruction will be a wonderful gift to Wrightdom when complete.

SDR

I'd guess the curved approach is to make the grade easier for visitors with wheelchairs or limited mobility. It's interesting that the approach is correctly to the non-curb=appeal "back" (street-facing side) of the house, with the little entrance per Wright, allowing for the surprise inside.

That might be gravel on the roof not mulch, which is not uncommon on flat roofs.

Indeed -- but it's unlike most roof gravel I've seen, in color and texture, it is kept well away from the perimeter -- and most of all, the house doesn't appear ready for final finish material. I can't readily think of what else it might be, however . . .

SDR

Until we see goats grazing on the roof....

It is possible to negotiate a grade change using any combination of plan forms -- right angles, 45 or 60-degree angles, arcs, etc . . .

I suppose the approach to the house's "street elevation" echoes the original orientation ? What's missing, apparently, is the automotive accommodation.

SDR

I agree, SDR, the curved walk is unfortunate and so obviously wrong for a FLW design. They should have done more research, or at least asked Tarantino.

The curved path does not resemble the original approach: http://www.bing.com/mapspreview?FORM=Z9LH2&signedup=1

Not getting that one, Paul.

Has something changed at Google Earth ? I can't seem to navigate (NSEW) from the cited location.

SDR

Your faithful reporter has the answer to the question of the stuff on the roof. I wrote to Scott Eccleston, the project supervisor, and he replied:

The ballast material was a chocolate gravel that we later rejected. The TPO will be the final surface.

Thanks, Ron.

http://firestonebpco.com/roofing/tpo-roofing-systems/

Now, is that a picture of the Firestone TPO factory -- or a picture of a factory with TPO roofing ?

(One is reminded of the car with "factory air conditioning, from our fully factory air conditioned factory . . ." from Firesign Theater.

SDR

Here's a good view of the entry condition at the Wilson house in its original location . . .




photo © Dave Anderson

Hopefully this clears up the roofing material debate on Bachman Wilson rebuild.

This photo was taken by me on August 10, 2015, shows the final choice of TPO roofing, the rain scuppers can be seen on the corners of the roof areas. They extend down to copper tubing approx 18" and then 45º another 18" directing water away from the house



Zachary Matthews

Frank Lloyd Wright house to open at Crystal Bridges in November


David