Prairie House Plans for Easy Living
The Prairie style of architecture evolved from the meticulous handcrafted design and construction which prevailed at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Prairie house plans style is practically synonymous with Frank Lloyd Wright although many architects - such as Louis Sullivan - also contributed to this style.
The evolution of the Prairie School is most evident in the numerous examples to be found in and around the city of Chicago, where Wright, Sullivan, and their disciples worked.
For example, the Arts and Crafts influence upon Frank Lloyd Wright can be seen in his 1889 studio and home in Oak Park, Illinois.
After the turn of the century many Wright homes were constructed nearby which showcase the continuing evolution of Prairie design.
With its strong presence and clean lines, Prairie style architecture was a reaction against the overblown, ornate Victorian architecture and squat brick house plans typical of the late 19th century.
It descended directly from the Arts and Crafts philosophy of purity of design, and artistry in the execution.
Natural materials, such as hardwood floors and wood exteriors, were employed in the building, and they were respected for what they were.
There was a seamless transition in moving from outdoors to indoors spaces.
The form of a building was long and low, with deep-set, overhanging eaves, and broad covered porches.
Upper levels may be cantilevered over lower levels to increase the square footage without increasing the house footprint.
Moving away from a bungalow style, the Prairie style emphasized Midwestern regional influences, and also incorporated the stylized, Japanese elements which were popular at this time.
While sometimes the low pitched roof lines were gabled, low-hipped roofs were more characteristic of Prairie style.
Other distinctive design elements include open, flowing space inside in place of many small, boxy rooms; and a strong, horizontally-oriented, asymmetrical façade.
Ribbons of double-hung windows possessed a vertical detail which subtly mimicked Japanese shoji screens, and which added to the horizontal orientation.
A large picture window and sliding glass doors opening onto a patio were also common.
Massive masonry piers supported the porch roofs, and non-functional decoration was kept to a minimum.
Since Frank Lloyd Wright's time, this unique American style has been integrated into other current styles.
Its original incarnation was popular only until the end of World War I, after which it faded from the scene.
But despite its short life span, the Prairie style has been adapted into different modern forms.
Many elements of Prairie design style were resurrected into the ranch style of the 1930's.
Even today homes built a century ago in the Prairie style have a contemporary house plan appearance.
As a result it is common to find Prairie influences in designs with a more modern vernacular.
The Prairie house plans style is practically synonymous with Frank Lloyd Wright although many architects - such as Louis Sullivan - also contributed to this style.
The evolution of the Prairie School is most evident in the numerous examples to be found in and around the city of Chicago, where Wright, Sullivan, and their disciples worked.
For example, the Arts and Crafts influence upon Frank Lloyd Wright can be seen in his 1889 studio and home in Oak Park, Illinois.
After the turn of the century many Wright homes were constructed nearby which showcase the continuing evolution of Prairie design.
With its strong presence and clean lines, Prairie style architecture was a reaction against the overblown, ornate Victorian architecture and squat brick house plans typical of the late 19th century.
It descended directly from the Arts and Crafts philosophy of purity of design, and artistry in the execution.
Natural materials, such as hardwood floors and wood exteriors, were employed in the building, and they were respected for what they were.
There was a seamless transition in moving from outdoors to indoors spaces.
The form of a building was long and low, with deep-set, overhanging eaves, and broad covered porches.
Upper levels may be cantilevered over lower levels to increase the square footage without increasing the house footprint.
Moving away from a bungalow style, the Prairie style emphasized Midwestern regional influences, and also incorporated the stylized, Japanese elements which were popular at this time.
While sometimes the low pitched roof lines were gabled, low-hipped roofs were more characteristic of Prairie style.
Other distinctive design elements include open, flowing space inside in place of many small, boxy rooms; and a strong, horizontally-oriented, asymmetrical façade.
Ribbons of double-hung windows possessed a vertical detail which subtly mimicked Japanese shoji screens, and which added to the horizontal orientation.
A large picture window and sliding glass doors opening onto a patio were also common.
Massive masonry piers supported the porch roofs, and non-functional decoration was kept to a minimum.
Since Frank Lloyd Wright's time, this unique American style has been integrated into other current styles.
Its original incarnation was popular only until the end of World War I, after which it faded from the scene.
But despite its short life span, the Prairie style has been adapted into different modern forms.
Many elements of Prairie design style were resurrected into the ranch style of the 1930's.
Even today homes built a century ago in the Prairie style have a contemporary house plan appearance.
As a result it is common to find Prairie influences in designs with a more modern vernacular.
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