7 Home Design Lessons from Frank Lloyd Wright.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the internationally renowned architect, has left an indelible legacy that continues to influence contemporary home design even after more than a century. His innovative ideas have resonated with home builders, house designers, and homeowners in the USA, UK and Asia just as they have on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. In this article, we delve into some enduring principles attributed to Wright that are frequently found in contemporary coastal homes:
1. Open Floor Plans:
Wright advocated for open living spaces, eliminating unnecessary partitions to create a seamless flow within a home. This concept remains highly popular among home builders and house designers in the Queensland, emphasising spaciousness and connectivity between different areas, such as the kitchen, dining, and living rooms.
2. Integration with Nature: Beach House Blurred Lines
Wright believed in harmonising buildings with their natural surroundings. He incorporated features like large windows, skylights, and terraces to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. This concept has evolved into the Sunshine Coasts emphasis on sustainable home builds and biophilic architecture, connecting occupants with nature ( Be that beach or Bush) for improved well-being.
3. Use of Organic Materials: Hempcrete Homes
Wright’s preference for utilising natural materials, such as stone, wood, and brick, continues to resonate with current day architects, building designers and draftsmen on the coast. These materials not only add warmth and character but also contribute to sustainability goals.
4. Flat Roof Home Design: Beautiful Boxy Architecture
Wright was a proponent of flat roofs with overhanging eaves, which not only contributed to his distinctive aesthetic but also offered practical advantages. Many Modern homes in Noosa often incorporate flat roofs, especially in contemporary and minimalist designs. The owners perhaps do not realise that the building they inhabit may in fact be a distant offspring of Wrights ( bastardised or otherwise).
5. Customisation and Personalisation: Custom Coast Homes
Wright believed that homes should be tailored to the needs and preferences of their inhabitants. This personalised approach is a core principle in contemporary Sunshine Coast home design, with homeowners seeking unique design elements and custom features.
6. Innovative Use of Technology: Futuristic Farm Houses
While Wright’s era didn’t have the technology we have today, his spirit of innovation and exploration aligns with the tech-savvy approach of contemporary Queensland home builds. Smart home technology, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable building practices all reflect his pioneering spirit.
7. A Sense of Unity: United Colours of Coast Homes
Wright aimed to create a unified aesthetic that encompassed not only the architecture but also the furniture and interiors. This holistic approach to design is evident in contemporary coast homes where interior decor often complements the architectural style.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural principles continue to inspire contemporary homes from Noosa to Namibia, Switzerland to the Sunshine Coast. FLW’s emphasis on open spaces, integration with nature, and innovative use of materials and technology still shape the way home builders, house designers, and homeowners in the build their homes today, attesting to the timeless relevance of his ideas.