Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who, during the early part of the 20th century, revolutionized American architecture with his distinct ‘organic’ style that blended the indoors and outdoors into an unified whole. His iconic Jacob’s House design served as the inspiration for modern Art Deco House designs that are still popular today. The Jacob's House was first designed in 1936 and it quickly impressed onlookers with its revolutionary elements. With its sweeping curves and extensive use of glass, it was said to be "unlike anything anyone had ever seen before". It also featured what has become known as the ‘Jacob Wall’, an integral part of the design that serves to divide the exterior and interior of the house. The house design caught the imagination of the public and, like many of Wright's creations, it was featured in magazines and newspapers around the world. It has since become one of the most recognizable Art Deco house designs of all time.Frank Lloyd Wright's Jacob's House Design
The Jacob's House design was part of the so-called "Usonian" series of house designs envisioned by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright originally described the ‘Usonian’ style as "organic architecture" that could offer a modernized and efficient version of living. These designs were intended to be low-cost, yet elegant solutions for the average American, and the Jacob's House was one of the most successful in this series. The house design was primarily constructed from redwood, and featured a distinctive flat roof, extensive use of glass and several low-cost materials, such as plywood and asphalt tiles. Despite its simple construction, the Jacob's House design makes an impressive statement; still capturing many of the desired characteristics of modern Art Deco architecture.Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Usonian' Designs
Today, visitors can get a full tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's revolutionary Jacob's House design, thanks to the impressive 3D virtual reality tour created by Google Street View and visiting Wright enthusiasts. The tour allows visitors to explore every corner of the house and truly understand the immensity of its design. It is an indispensable tool for those interested in gaining a better understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, as it provides an up-close look at the many features that make the Jacob's House so remarkable, including the "Jacob Wall" and the exterior walls that integrate with the house's landscaping. Those interested in learning more about design and architecture can benefit from taking the tour and gaining an appreciation for Wright's revolutionary Art Deco designs.Jacob's House by Frank Lloyd Wright: 3D Virtual Reality Tour
Frank Lloyd Wright's Jacob's House, which was completed in 1936, offers an incredible example of the power of Art Deco architectural designs. The structure of the house consists of two walls - an exterior wall and the ‘Jacob Wall’ – and a flat roof. The walls and roof of the house are built from redwood, while the interior of the house utilizes plywood, masonry and glass. The exterior wall of the house contains windows that integrate with the landscaping, while the Jacob Wall, which separates the exterior from the interior, is a feature that makes the house stand apart from other designs. This wall has a window at the top of its height, which allows natural lighting to flow through the house. The Jacob Wall also provides visual separation between the exterior and interior of the house.Frank Lloyd Wright: Jacobs House (1936)
The Jacob's house plans are now available as part of an extensive study program designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute of Architecture in Chicago, Illinois. The program offers a detailed, step-by-step, guide to the construction of Jacob's House, including architectural drawings of both the interior and exterior of the house. The study program also covers the materials, tools and techniques needed to complete the house design according to Wright’s specifications. It also details the construction techniques used for the interior and the exterior, as well as the features of the iconic Jacob Wall.Study Plans of Jacobs House
The original plans for Frank Lloyd Wright's Jacob's House design are widely available online. These plans provide a detailed look into the architecture and construction of the structure, and serve as a reference for aspiring builders and architects who wish to replicate the design. Wright's original plans for the house show the use of simple materials and offer a glimpse into the design philosophies that make the house so remarkable. The plans provide an in-depth view of how a simple and inexpensive design can be used to create an impressive and unique living space. The plans also offer detailed guidance on the dimensions of the house, the placement of the windows, and the specific features of the iconic Jacob Wall.Frank Lloyd Wright Jacob's House Plans
The Frank Lloyd Wright Institute of Architecture also operates a photographic archive that contains an extensive collection of photographs of Jacob's House. These photographs provide an invaluable source of information about the design and construction of the house, and offer a look into the interior features that make the house truly special. The archive also features photographs of the ‘Jacob Wall’ that divides the interior and exterior, as well as images of the unique landscaping elements that were incorporated into the design. Many of these photographs offer an unprecedented level of detail that can be of great value to anyone wishing to build a house inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Usonian’ style.Jacob's House Photographic Archive
The Jacob’s House design by Frank Lloyd Wright is an iconic example of Art Deco architecture, and serves as a popular source of inspiration for architects and designers today. The design features sweeping curves, an array of windows that weave into the landscaping, and of course the iconic ‘Jacob Wall’ that makes this house truly unique. The original plans for the house are also available for study, as are photographs archived by the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute of Architecture. This makes the house an ideal focus for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Art Deco design principles and techniques.Jacob's House – Overview & Analysis
No one knows exactly how much Jacob's House cost Frank Lloyd Wright and his team of architects. The original plans for the house make reference to "low-cost materials", indicating that Wright was looking to create an efficient and economical solution for his clients. Although the exact cost of the house cannot be determined, it is likely that the overall cost was quite low, with Wright citing the expenses at only £629. The Jacob's House design is certainly one of Wright's most celebrated creations, and it stands as an iconic example of Art Deco architecture. Despite its low cost, the house stands out as a revolutionary design that still captures the imagination of the modern world.Price Is No Object: How Much Did Jacob's House Cost Frank Lloyd Wright?
It is worth noting that the famed Jacob's House design has recently been re-discovered in a small village in Italy, where well-preserved plans and photographs have been uncovered. This new addition to the collection is an important milestone in the revitalization of Wright’s body of work, and it adds a new twist to the already iconic Jacob’s House design. The unearthed plans and photographs provide an even closer look into the design of the house and its construction process. They also provide an interesting comparison to the plans still available from the Frank Lloyd Wright Institute of Architecture, and serve as an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this distinct Art Deco design.Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten Jacob's House