The iconic Henry Klumb House started its journey with an international competition sponsored by the National Institute of Architects of Puerto Rico in 1930. The competition was open to all architects in the world and was meant to create a prototype for a modern home with clean lines that reflected the new Art Deco styles. Robert Venturi, a young American architect who had just graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, drafted a unique design plan which captured the attention of both the jury and the public. His design was declared the winner of the competition, with Venturi receiving the prestigious Henry Klumb Prize for his achievement.Henry Klumb House Design Knockout Competition
Venturi's Henry Klumb House Design was a modernistic two-storey structure made of brick walls, wood and glass panels. It had one main entrance, two side entrances and a large terrace which opened out towards a serene garden. Inside, the house boasted a large living-room, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen and a servants' room. Every detail of the plan was thoughtfully designed to reflect the Art Deco style, with Venturi making sure that every aspect was true to the principles of the modernist movement.Henry Klumb House Design Plans
Robert Venturi's design for the Henry Klumb House was so successful that it was adapted for use in various films and television programmes over the following decades. The most notable of these was the British television series How I Live Now, which featured a accurate reproduction of Venturi's original plan of the house. The series also changed the focus of the project from a building for a single family to a larger community of people.Henry Klumb House Design by Robert Venturi
The Henry Klumb House featured in How I Live Now had various modifications from the original plans. Venturi had originally designed the house to include two sides of the entry stair and two side stairs to the terrace, however this changed for the adaptation for the film. Additionally, in the show, the terrace was expanded to provide more space for socialising and entertaining. Henry Klumb House - Plans from the Film How I Live Now
Following the success of Venturi’s plans for the Henry Klumb House, another notable architect Richard Neutra was commissioned to design an even bolder version of the structure. Neutra’s version featured the typical wood, glass and brick construction, however, he also incorporated a cylindrical tower within the structure which gave it added depth and interest. Neutra's version of the Henry Klumb House, much like Venturi's, was also featured in several movies and was given the status of being one of the most influential examples of Art Deco house design of the time.Henry Klumb House Design by Richard Neutra
The mention of Henry Klumb House almost guaranteed to draw attention for its iconic design, as it had proven itself to be highly influential not only in the world of architecture, but also in the world of film. Its Art Deco style had become a measure of modernity and cool, leading to the house being replicated in many films over the years. Influential Henry Klumb House Design
The Henry Klumb House design provided inspiration for a new breed of architects and designers looking to create a modern home. Clean lines and an eye for detail were hallmarks of the Henry Klumb design, and it was this precision that influenced the designs of the top Art Deco house designs of today. Henry Klumb House Design Inspiration
The Henry Klumb House Design Competition of the 1930s was a groundbreaking event which allowed the world to glimpse a new style of modern house design. The competition was open to all architects, and Venturi's design won out over the other entries to grant him recognition and even celebrity status in the field. Henry Klumb House Design Competition, 1930s
Construction began on the Henry Klumb House in 1942, and it opened its doors to public just two years later. It quickly became a popular attraction due to its unique design, and during the 1940s, it was visited by both locals and tourists alike, many of whom had grown fond of the building. The house was also often used as a model for other Art Deco house plans during this time. Henry Klumb House Plans Construction, 1940s
The Henry Klumb House design was so successful that it has become the signature style for many modernist house designs. It’s clean lines and intricate details have inspired many architects over the years, and many modern houses have adapted the style to bring uniqueness to new homes. Henry Klumb House Design: A Signature Style
When creating a modernist house design in the style of the Henry Klumb House, it is important to keep in mind the basic principles of the Art Deco style. Clean lines, modern materials and an eye for detail are key features of the style, and these should all be kept in mind when designing your own Art Deco home. Additionally, a good tip is to look to Venturi's early plans for inspiration when creating your own design. Henry Klumb House Design Tips and Ideas