Frank Lloyd Wright Prefab Burns Down
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 01.10.06
In 1911 Frank Lloyd Wright worked with the Richards Company to develop the American System of Housing, based on ideas he learned in Japan. "Wright further innovated the A.S.B. line through the use of pre-milled, machine made materials. The pre-cut materials, such as framing, joists, millwork, cabinets, and doors, were of a "standardized" character which literally permitted the use of these items throughout the A.S.B. line. In addition, as being made by machine, the pre-milled materials were insured to possess an overall consistency, quality, and longevity that on-site carpentry could not achieve." Not many were built; World War One interfered. Today one of the very few remaining, the Wynant house, burned down. (does that name ring a bell among Fountainhead fans?) Read and weep- a bit of history ::here, all via ::Archinect.
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That's a tragedy. ;-(
haha
Geesh! What a shame. Another piece of the world's architectural history gone . . . This is so sad. Hey, at least it wasn't a developer who put it under.
can't it be salvaged and rebuilt? i'd have thought it be historically significant enough to merit grants/fiscal support from someone?
CTP: sadly, i doubt if the amount of grants they could muster would hardly return it to its 1911 Wright splendor, especially since it is a suburban home and a lesser known Wright house at that. I'm sure that they could get grants and such, but either way it just wouldnt be the same as the original, though i agree it should still be rebuilt. and judging by the picture, i doubt if any of the original house could be salvaged. it's a shame
As an aside, another piece of work Wright contributed to burnt down a day before.
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago was considered the birthplace of Gospel music, home to a large congregation, and was the last remaining piece of religious architecture created by Adler and Sullivan. Wright, who was their lead draftsman at the time, contributed to the design.
http://www.nationaltrust.org/magazine/archives/arc_news_2006/010906.htm
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=420&art_id=qw1136630521953T614