The Hollyhock House is one of the most famous Art Deco houses in the world, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The lavish home was constructed in 1921 and is a stellar example of Wright's take on the popular Art Deco style. The design of the house is a combination of geometric shapes, natural elements, and ornate detailing to create a unique look that resonates with viewers to this day. The home was meant to resemble a hollyhock flower—its circular shape and symmetry highlighting the plant’s signature traits. Wright’s architecture is highly recognizable, and the Hollyhock House is no exception. Hollyhock House Designs
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who revolutionized the way people built homes in the early 20th century. His innovative designs sparked a wave of interest in modern home building, encouraging people to embrace Art Deco elements in their designs. Wright was also hugely influential in the development of the Los Angeles architectural landscape—a style that is still popular in the city today. His influence on the city can be seen in the numerous buildings designed by him, of which the Hollyhock House is the most famous. Frank Lloyd Wright House Plans
Due to the iconic nature of the home, the Hollyhock House contains many recognizable features. From the outside, the home consists of a series of terraces with a number of low roofs. Its interior is filled with Art Deco motifs such as curved staircases and circles made from different materials such as wood, metal, and brick. In addition, the house is also equipped with a swimming pool and a large garden. Inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House
In recent years, the Hollyhock House has been the subject of numerous preservation and restoration projects. The house was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2007, and efforts have been made to maintain the original look and integrity of the home. In 2009, a conservation project was undertaken to reinstate exterior stucco finishes and damaged woodwork. In 2013, the house was reopened to the public, allowing visitors to explore the full scope of Wright’s work.Reviving the Creative Center of Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright began sketching and developing his plans for the Hollyhock House in 1916. He initially proposed a single-story structure due to the limited lot size, and felt there was no need for a second floor. The final design, however, was significantly more complex, featuring an
array of terraces and royal-dominated exteriors. Wright was also intent on not limiting the modern use of materials in his designs, and utilized a range of elements including concrete, glass, and wood to create the iconic house. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Early Ideas for the Hollyhock House
The early plans for the Hollyhock House are well documented, including a number of watercolor sketches for the exterior features of the property. These early plans feature a single-story design with two large terraces overlooking a swimming pool. The rear of the property features a modest garden space and patio for outdoor entertaining. Wright’s attention to detail is evident in the various sketches, as well as the subsequent changes and additions made to the house’s plans. Visualizing Frank Lloyd Wright’s Developmental Plans for the Hollyhock House
In addition to the original designs for the Hollyhock House, Wright also developed a series of plans called the "Urbana Plans." These plans include a series of terraces, each with a different shape and purpose. An identical version of the terrace roofs can be seen on architecture around the world—a testament to the far reaching influence of Wright. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Urbana Plans for the Hollyhock House
As the Hollyhock House progressed through its various construction phases, Photographic records were kept to document the progress. These photographs allowed for a detailed look into the construction of the house, and provided a valuable resource for further modifications to the plans. Early Hollyhock House Plans: Photographic Records
Although the initial plans for the Hollyhock House remain largely unchanged, some modifications to the design were made to reflect Wright’s evolving ideas. One such change is the inclusion of an internal courtyard, which was added to the home to provide a more intimate space. Additionally, two extra bedrooms were added to the house, in order to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Revisions in the Final Hollyhock House Plans
The introduction of the Hollyhock House was a highly celebrated event, and the home was featured in numerous advertisements and promotions. Advertisements in architectural trade journals and magazines highlighted Wright’s unique design, as well as the Art Deco elements used throughout. In many ways, the house was a representation of the potential of the modern movement—a fascinating example of how beauty could be achieved through architecture. Advertisements Showcasing the Final Hollyhock House Design