House 11 – The Usonian House

by JodyBrown on October 7, 2012

THE USONIAN HOUSE

This is house based on the Usonian homes that Frank Lloyd Wright designed in the 1930s. The Usonian homes were intended to be homes within reach for average Americans, not just the wealthy. That’s not a bad goal to have. Far too often architecture is considered the realm of the elite. But, great design can improve everyone’s life. So, why should it be limited to a select few?

Via Wikipedia:

Usonian is a term usually referring to a group of approximately sixty middle-income family homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright beginning in 1936 with the Jacobs House. The “Usonian Homes” were typically small, single-story dwellings without a garage or much storage, L-shaped to fit around a garden terrace on odd (and cheap) lots, with native materials, flat roofs and large cantilevered overhangs for passive solar heating and natural cooling, natural lighting with clerestory windows, and radiant-floor heating. A strong visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces is an important characteristic of all Usonian homes.

Of all the remarkable work Frank Lloyd Wright produced, I think his designs for the Usonian homes were among his most forward thinking and creative.

 

Feel free to download the pdf package of this concept package for free! – CLICK HERE.

 

HOUSE TYPE: Three bedroom / 2 bath

FEATURES: Rain Barrels, Fireplace, Dining Nook, 2-car Garage, Vaulted ceilings in all bedrooms and living spaces, Exterior Deck, Eat-in counter in kitchen, Skylight in Bathroom.

SIZE: 1688 Heated square feet + 412 square foot garage + 195 square foot deck

 

  • http://twitter.com/Alexandrafunfit Alexandra Williams

    Good thing I”m not an architect because that house does not appeal to me. Those grey things look like supermarket parking stops. I hope I didn’t hurt your Usonian feelings.

    • http://www.coffeewithanarchitect.com/ Jody Brown

      Oh well, can’t win them all, I guess, Could I interest you in some of my less angsty work?
      And you could never hurt my Usonian feelings A,

  • izzy darlow

    What, no North arrow!?

    I’m assuming the low side of the house is facing South (and therefore the Sol). I only make a big deal about it because it appears the concept harvests rainwater. If that why not solar, both passive and aggressive?

    You of course recognize the humor in that last question.

    • http://www.coffeewithanarchitect.com/ Jody Brown

      pfft… passive and aggressive. I’m stealing that.
      & sure, let call the lowside south.

  • Jon Podschun

    What computer program do you use for these? I am a college student studying architecture and I use Chief X4 and AutoCAD13 (mainly because I won them in a contest and I cannot afford much else..) This doesnt appear to be Chief but it seems to be something close to it. Also, any tips for someone going into architecture?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004594806646 Stephen Jones

    Can I buy these plans?

    • http://www.coffeewithanarchitect.com/ Jody Brown

      Hi Stephen!

      So glad you like the home plan. This one is one of my favorites!. You can download the concept package for free here -> http://www.jodybrownarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/usonian-house-11.pdf

      Plus, if you’d like a more detailed set of plans (suitable for building permits, and construction) those can be purchased as well. Just shot me an email and I’ll give you the details – jody@jodybrownarchitecture.com

      Thanks for stopping by,
      J

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004594806646 Stephen Jones

        Wonderful Jody! Thanks very much!

  • Jan

    How much would it cost to build a home like this?

    • http://www.coffeewithanarchitect.com/ Jody Brown

      Hey Jan! Way too many variables to answer that definitively, but $200-$250/S.F. is a good estimate to start with. That would put this one around $400,000.

  • Montanaandy

    Absolutely love Usonian design and you have done a very nice job with this one. How can anyone not love Usonian – classic FLW, no :) This plan would work great on the 16 acre lot where we are planning on building (downsizing). For my purposes, the rear of the home would face North/Northwest & I would flip the garage entry from the West side to the East side. The only thing missing for me/us would be a mudroom off of the garage which we need in these parts (Montana) + basement space (which would not be in keeping with true Usonian design but oh well). Would also have to agree that I would prefer something such as stone pillars instead of the concrete rain barrels. Keep the Usonian designs coming!

    • http://www.coffeewithanarchitect.com/ Jody Brown

      Thx Andy!

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