The Esherick House comprises a series of interlocking forms architected to provide panoramic views of the open countryside. It is part of a spectacular collection of art deco houses conceived by renowned architect Paul Esherick in the mid-20th century. The American architect, designer, and teacher was working in the functional style of modernism and traditional art deco aesthetics when he was commissioned to design the house. It was built in 1959 in rural Pennsylvania as one of the first single-family homes his team completed. The parameters had to be navigated carefully to ensure the structure was structurally sound and fitted perfectly into its surroundings.Esherick House Plan and Design | Paul Esherick Design | Esherick House Drawings and Sections | Esherick House Blueprints and Dimensions | Louis Kahn's Esherick House | Esherick House Design Drawings and Plans
Following the principle of "form should follow function," Esherick envisioned a cascading plan for the house which was situated on a steep slope. His strategy was to create a structure that can be appreciated from various angles and faces - embraced the contours of the natural topography. The 3-story, three-bedroom home incorporated a grid-like floor plan and a sloping flat roof with exposed edge beams. The roof beautifully frames the clerestory windows to the west, providing a constant source of daylight. The highly efficient design of the house also means it has remained warm and cozy despite the change of four seasons.Esherick House Plan and Design
Esherick was well-trained in the tenets of art deco principles and designed the house in a similar style. Despite the integration of traditional art deco elements, the primary focus of the design remained on the exterior. This idea of feature the lush landscape while also allowing for easy access was a unique blueprint. From the materials used to the interior fixtures, every aspect of the design was detailed according to Esherick's specifications. The interior featured sleek lines and muted colors, which matched its integration with the natural environment. The angles of the home were thoughtfully designed so that it fit not only the topography but also blended in with the surrounding environment.Paul Esherick Design
The original plans for the house have been recovered and documented. The plans included several perspectives of the house, from the front and side views, to the lower floor elevations and slotted details. It also showed how the grid layout was built according to specifications and included sections of the building that featured custom-made materials. Esherick also included details that illustrated his vision of how the natural light would flow through the building. In addition, he planned several outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, porches, and decks.Esherick House Drawings and Sections
The original blueprints and dimensions of the Esherick House have been available to the public since the building was initially constructed. These documents contain invaluable information related to the construction and design that was carried out. It shows the house from multiple angles with meticulous details that include exact details for specific measurements for each section. This information is essential for anyone looking to recreate the beauty and design of the Esherick House. Esherick's plans offer plenty of information and a solid reference for how the house should look and function.Esherick House Blueprints and Dimensions
The Esherick House is also associated with a famous architect - Louis Kahn. Louis was a significant proponent of modern architecture and maintained a relationship with the American Institute of Innovation Design (AIDI). He was a proponent for the idea that the 'ideal home' should be designed so that it is part of the landscape around it, rather than an isolated house. Louis Kahn contributed to the design of the house in ways that left a lasting impact. His influence can be seen in the outdoor space, which has an open feel and encourages a connection between exterior and interior. It is clear to see how his vision for modernity was incorporated within the design.Louis Kahn's Esherick House