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To: BfloGuy
Wright had his vision of what architecture should be, and was maniacal about it. Sometimes, perfection of line and proportion overrode any other consideration, including the humans who were to actually use the structure. Examples of artistic excess can therefore be found, and that extends to pushing the envelope of what was then possible, as far as materials and construction methods.

That said, when he was really on his game, his work was profound. I've long been a fan of his more modest efforts, which intentionally tackled affordability, accesibility and function, for families of modest means. These were the so-called Usonian houses.

I nearly bought a Wright inspired Usonian design ten years ago, designed by a student of his as the first home for himself, his wife and young children. Deep eaves, one story, low slung, built in a “U” shape to the rear. Cantelevered carport on the back, sliding glass wall to a large screened porch, quarried stone galore, radiant floor heat fed by a boiler that still worked perfectly. I loved that place, it was so well proportioned that there really wasn't a bad angle anywhere in it or on it. It was a labor of love and very personal, and it shone right through.

Hate that I didn't go through with it, but there were a few matters that needed attention, on top of the price that was already at the top of my range, so I reluctantly passed. Whoever bought it painted the gorgeous natural cypress board and batten exterior, in a very wrong Tuscan mustard looking color, they either didn't know or didn't care what they had bought. I shudder to think at the interior remuddling that may have occurred. At the time of sale, it still had original cork flooring, weathered down to looking like dark saddle leather. I thought it was beautiful. But, Tuscany it ain't.

37 posted on 03/16/2012 3:41:50 AM PDT by RegulatorCountry
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To: RegulatorCountry
I nearly bought a Wright inspired Usonian design ten years ago

His Usonians are my favorites of all his work -- particularly those built in the early fifties when plate glass had finally come into its own.

43 posted on 03/16/2012 1:58:30 PM PDT by BfloGuy (The final outcome of the credit expansion is general impoverishment.)
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