The Duncan House started life as a pre-fab! After years of constructing high-design houses for wealthy clients, Wright was committed to developing houses for "the common man." He had a dream of remaking the American built landscape. It didn't work out, but it's temping to ponder suburbs filled with stylish and functional houses that blend into the landscape rather than Colonial revivals and McMansions.
The closest approach to his vision was achieved by Joseph Eichler, who had been inspired by living in one of Wright's Usonian houses. When we lived in California, Eichler houses (and their knock-offs) were ubiquitous and very desirable.
The Duncan house was built in 1957, two years before Wright's death.
To see a better picture of the exterior, check out the link above.
Wright did not favor either basements or garages. He felt that they were invitations to clutter. Unlike most of his Usonian houses, the Duncan House has a lower level. We didn't visit it. Those who walked down to peer in the doors said it wasn't furnished, but it wasn't a "basement" either.
The original location of the house must have been on a steep slope.
Our entry to the house was from the carport into the kitchen.
The appliances are modern, but otherwise the kitchen was as designed -- colorful and functional. Wright was notorious for imposing his own views of how life should be lived, but he was ahead of his time in believing the kitchen would be the center of activity. For this reason he placed it at the center of all the Usonian houses we have visited.
The small dining area is adjacent to the kitchen.
I didn't take any pictures of the living room. It would be behind me as I take this photo. It wasn't striking.
This hallway leads to the bedrooms.
Wright did not devote much space to such utilitarian functions as hallways. Lighting and privacy were ensured by the high windows. Storage was built-in.
The theme of horizontal battens was carried throughout the exterior and interior of the house.
When the house is rented out ($675/night at the time I'm writing this -- four guests, no pets, no children under the age of 13), the occupants are given a schedule of visiting hours. They don't have to leave, but they aren't expected to be lounging in their birthday suits either.
Click your "back" button to return to the previous page or click for our picture album.