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Green Building, Vincent Price, & Waterfalls
Nothing sounds sturdier than a home made of concrete. If it also sounds cold or impersonal, well, you probably haven’t experienced some of the more famous concrete homes in the U.S.
Partially because of our dependence on the readily available lumber, and partially a result of tradition, we tend to build with lumber in most of the United States. Now that we are learning more responsible practices in logging, the costs of lumber are rising, and many are seeking alternatives to the traditional stick-built home. What many people don’t realize is the rich history that accompanies a poured concrete home and the revolutionary architects of our past.
The sound of Vincent Price’s voice brings me back to the 5 o’clock movies on the TV station out of Detroit back in the 70’s and early 80’s. The House on Haunted Hill was centered around the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Ennis House (1924) in Los Angeles. The house also had a starring role in Blade Runner, Black Rain, Twin Peaks, Thirteenth Floor, Predator 2, and the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Hollyhock House (1921) on Hollywood Boulevard in L.A. has been recognized by The American Institute of Architects as one of the 17 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings that is representative of his contribution to American Culture.
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A few years ago, my husband and I travelled to Pennsylvania to visit Fallingwater. After a 2+ hour drive through foggy, rainy, treacherous mountain roads from Pittsburgh, my mood was not at it’s optimum peak.
Arriving at the gate, we were informed it would be $24 to visit the house. I was indignant. There was no way, after the trip I had, I was going to pay $24 to see some house. Fortunately, my husband told me to deal with it and I paid the guy.
I’ve regretting nothing about that trip except my poor attitude when we arrived.
Falling Water (1934-1938) in Pennsylvania is an experience like none other. The property is stunning. When I was finally able to tear myself away from the incredible surroundings, I was struck dumb by sheer disbelief that something this modern, this warm, this unusual was built in the 1930’s. That doesn’t even begin to take into effect the colossal obstacles that had to be overcome to pour the concrete cantilevered sections and the walkway canopy.
While we were visiting, the engineers were working on an extensive restoration to support the cantilevered sections of the house. The gentleman I spoke with said they couldn’t quite figure out how the house was in the good shape that it was in. According to him, it should never have lasted as long as it did. It’s a testament to genius design and strong building materials.
The interior of the house utilizes a myriad of earth-friendly products that we are just now beginning to rediscover. Cork flooring adorned the bathrooms and still looked like new. Natural stone flooring graced the great room, a flooring material that has not had to be updated since the 1930’s. Concrete creates a thermal mass to help heat & cool the house. Rattan woven shelving in the wardrobes to allow air to circulate around the clothing. These are all materials that were grossly ignored until now.
After visiting the site of one of these architectural wonders, I had to ponder, why doesn’t everyone build with concrete? Why does anyone hesitate to choose cork or stone? Sure, the initial cost is higher. Doesn’t everything cost a little more when it is going to stand the test of time?
Frank Lloyd Wright utilized a great deal of concrete and green build concepts in the construction of his home designs. Regardless of your location in the United States, you probably aren’t too terribly far from a Frank Lloyd Wright building. If you have even a passing fancy in architecture, it is certainly worth a trip to visit one of his structures.
Side note: The first completely poured concrete above ground home in the United States is the Milton House (1844) in Wisconsin. It was utilized in the Pre-Civil War Underground Railroad.
