The first of Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian house designs began in the 1930s. Usonian houses were designed to provide a cost-effective, streamlined version of Wright's classic Prairie style buildings, without sacrificing the beauty of his designs. These homes tended to be modestly sized for the small, family-oriented lifestyles of the time. Usonian houses typically had flat roofs, a horizontal orientation, and a natural flow to their design. Some of the features included a built-in seating area, windows set in cubicles, light shelves, low eaves, and a central "fire ring" or heat hub. In keeping with his philosophy of organic architecture, Usonian houses blended the interior and exterior of the building in harmony.Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian House Designs
The iconic Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, is one of the best examples of a Usonian house design. Built in 1951, this streamlined structure exemplifies the clean lines and rectilinear proportions of Wright's design philosophy. It features large floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide an impressive view of the landscape. The home also features walls made of cinder block and glass block, and a cantilevered roof overhanging the property.Farnsworth House, Plano, IL
The Robie House is another Usonian house design created by Frank Lloyd Wright. This 1909 masterpiece is a defining example of the Prairie style of architecture, with its flat roof, low-pitched hip roof, and dormer windows. This house also features long rectangular windows, a built-in fireplace, and terraces on the east and west sides. These features combine to create a beautifully timeless look.Robie House, Chicago, IL
The contemporary Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City is a tribute to the pioneering genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. While Wright never explicitly stated that the building was designed in the Usonian style, its stark rectilinear forms, flat roof, and height-to-width ratio lead many contemporary architects to conclude that it is, in fact, a Usonian-style building. From the outside, its tower features a spiral staircase that cascades down the middle of the building, surrounded by windows framed by steel. Inside, the space is open, with galleries following the natural flow of the exterior.Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, NYC
The 1910 Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of Wright’s earliest Usonian designs. This beautifully restored home was built in response to a request from furniture manufacturer Meyer S. May, who wanted a home for his family that was forward-thinking and modern. The home features a number of signature Usonian features, such as the flat roof, the cantilevered roof, and a central fireplace. The interior is bright and warm, with modern furniture and art Deco accents.Meyer May House, Grand Rapids, MI
Fallingwater is a masterpiece of modern design, masterminded by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1934, this iconic Usonian home is set in the woodlands of western Pennsylvania. It consists of three stories that cascade down a hillside. Its cantilevered terraces are cantilevered over a waterfall and its long, horizontal windows provide amazing views of nature. Not only is Fallingwater beautiful, it's also an engineering feat, with its stone walls and steel beams designed to fit neatly into the surrounding landscape.Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA
Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona was the winter home and campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture from 1937 until his death in 1959. This Usonian-style building, with its low-slung roofs, horizontal orientation, and natural stone facades, was designed to look like a natural part of the desert landscape. Inside, the building has an open plan, with an outdoor central courtyard, and open rooms filled with desert light. Its sprawling grounds feature an array of studios and gardens.Taliesin West, Scottsdale, AZ
The Frances Wolfson Art Gallery in Miami Beach, Florida, is a modern Usonian structure that combines modern architectural design with classic Art Deco features. Built in 1989, the building has a low-slung roof and long, rectangular windows. Its facade is constructed from concrete, glass, and steel elements, with an interior that features skylights, wood paneling, and open stairways. The space is designed to provide a comfortable yet modern exhibition experience.Frances Wolfson Art Gallery, Miami Beach, FL
The Graycliff Estate in Derby, New York is a masterful example of a Usonian house design. Built in 1926, this estate is set upon a lake shore that reaches out to Lake Erie. It features a low-slung stepping roof, walls made from wood and stone, and long horizontal windows that bring in natural light. Inside, the home features furniture designed by Wright and iconic wood-burning fireplaces.Graycliff Estate, Derby, NY
Taliesin East in Spring Green, Wisconsin is a sprawling estate set amidst the picturesque Driftless Region of Wisconsin. Constructed in 1911, this Usonian house design is framed by walls of stone and wood. Inside, the open walls, wood beams, and terraces create a cozy, timeless feeling. The natural beauty of the surrounding landscape is brought to life within the home, with its dramatic views and an abundance of natural light.Taliesin East, Spring Green, WI
The iconic Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California, is an exquisite example of the Usonian style of architecture. Built from 1921-1923, this streamlined structure features a flat roof, walls of wood and brick, and long horizontal windows designed to bring in natural light. Its interior features curved staircases, colorful tiled floors, and a skylight that illuminates the entire home. It is a stunning example of Wright's Usonian design ideals.Hollyhock House, Los Angeles, CA