AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - BrickAD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Image 3 of 20AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Image 4 of 20AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Table, ChairAD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - More Images+ 15

Wind Point, United States

Text description provided by the architects. One of the many houses designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Wingspread also known as the Herbert F. Johnson House represents many of the key themes found in all architecture of Wright.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Garden
© Galen Frysinger

Designed for Herbert Johnson of the Johnson Wax Company, the house was built only a year before their renown corporate headquarters in Racine.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Image 3 of 20
© Galen Frysinger

The basic layout of the house is centered around the core living room space, referred to as The Great Hall on the floorplans, with four wings extended forming zones for the family. These include the master's bedroom, children's rooms, kitchen and servants quarters and the guestrooms and garage.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Image 4 of 20
©  Boston College

The gigantic dome of the living room features a tall stone shaft that rises from the center, housing a total of five fireplaces. This massive chimney structure further separates the house, dividing the living room into four spaces; entrance, living room, dining room and library. 

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Table, Chair
© Galen Frysinger

Totaling fourteen thousand square feet of floor space, the house was monumental in it's time.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Image 15 of 20
©  Boston College

As in all of his work, the play of light within the Wingspread is remarkable. Opened up by rows and rows of skylights, the living room is flooded with natural light. Wright also incorporates views betewen levels, allowing family members to look down into the central spaces.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Windows, Garden, Handrail
©  Boston College

Flooring is constructed out of four foot concrete squares, which help moderate the temperature of the house through their use of radiant heating. The slight glossiness is achieved using none other than the homeowner's Johnson Wax which was specifically designed after the construction of this house and and the corporate headquarters.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Brick
© Galen Frysinger

To add a playful touch to the elegant and beautiful interior of Wingspread, Frank Lloyd Wright introduced a spiral staircase for the children that led up to a lookout (or belvedere) on the roof.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Wood, Chair, Beam
© Galen Frysinger

Upon completion of three-quarters of the house, Mrs. Johnson passed away which led to an increasing disinterest in the construction of the house for Mr. Johnson. Wright once said that upon experiencing life within the house that she had desired so much, Mr. Johnson was able to be rejuvinated and find himself again.

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Chair, Garden, Courtyard
©  Boston College

In an autobiography, Wright is quoted to have expressed complete satisfaction with the high level of quality and workmanship found in the home's woodwork and furniture. 

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Windows, Chair
©  Boston College

"Wingspread has the best brickwork I have seen in my life, and the materials of construction and the workmanship throughout are everywhere substantial."

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright - Beam, Steel
©  Boston College

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About this office
Cite: Megan Sveiven. "AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright" 25 Feb 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/115102/ad-classics-wingspread-frank-lloyd-wright> ISSN 0719-8884

© Galen Frysinger

AD Classics: Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright

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