DSM.LAB/by A u r é l i e n DESMETTRE
DESMETTRE laboratoire / la.bɔ.ʁa.twaʁ /masculin
FILTERS/ All • ARCHITECTURE • REPORTAGE • STILL LIFE • STUDIO
Shot w/ Toyo 45GX Fujinon 150mm & Nikkor 90 mm
Stock Portra 400
City Sammamish
State Washington
Country USA
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Achieved 1953
The Brandes House is one of the last residential homes designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright before his death in 1959. Completed in 1953, this house is a remarkable example of Usonian architecture and his organic approach to landscaping, characterized by a strong connection between the dwelling and its surroundings. The house was designed for a couple, Ray Brandes, a local businessman, and his wife Mimi. It is distinguished by its approach to the site and its integration into the surrounding landscape. Situated on a wooded lot, the Ray Brandes House is a model of adaptation to the natural site, with stone walls and large windows that allow natural light to penetrate while offering views of the surrounding forest and the nearby lake.
The surrounding environment is a combination of the natural wonders of the Northwest, the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the invisible hand of the original owner, Mimi Brandes, an expert gardener perfectly aligned with Wrightian natural landscape design. Mimi's early landscape notes have been preserved in the Taliesin archives. Beyond this initial shared vision, the grounds themselves tell the story of Mimi and the continued expansion of the grounds.
Another striking aspect of the Ray Brandes House is its L-shaped design, which allows for a fluid flow between the various parts of the house while maximizing views and access to the exterior landscape. Wright used natural materials, primarily wood, brick, and stone, to reinforce this harmony with nature. The house's plan follows a spacious and open layout, with flexible spaces that adapt to the needs of the inhabitants. The rooms are arranged around common areas that encourage conviviality and interaction. Signature elements of Wright's work, such as glass walls, are also present in this home, allowing for an intimate connection with the outdoors while protecting the occupants' privacy. The clean geometric lines and low-pitched roofs create a sense of integration and unity with the land, which is one of his fundamental principles. The furniture and interior design elements were custom-designed by Wright, with the aim of ensuring aesthetic and functional consistency throughout the house.
I invite you to learn more about the Brandes couple and the avant-garde design of this home.
Category
ARCHITECTURE