As with other prairie-influenced designs, the chimney sets the tone for the rest of the house. It is intentionally dramatic, like Frank’s fine pork pie fedora. It is also a fake.
For Frank: function followed form
Downsizing with Frank
Part of organic design, we're learning, is that spaces are sensory, social and evocative; meant for people, not things.
“She thought he was an immoral man”
Teddy Kibbie "hated this house" and wouldn't invite friends over.
Frank is in good hands with FLWW
A hearty congratulations and thank you to the volunteers at Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin (FLWW) for their flawless execution of the Wright and Like 2017 tour.
“How to build a warm, strong and dry house”
By specifying Byrkit Lath in this and other American System-Built Houses, Frank Lloyd Wright may have secured this home's legacy.
Honey, I tore off the front of the house.
Then, we poured new concrete, parged walls, and painted matching trim. Today, the Elizabeth Murphy House stands tall and straight, and ready for tour-goers.
The new, old water closet
The 68" x 72" space was the weak spot in the house when we bought it, and we had plans to quickly make it right. It's Wright now.
What about that stucco?
Did the Kibbies not like the pebble-dash and cover it for aesthetic reasons only, thereby protecting it for 90 years?
Piecing together her history
Here is a 1933 image, taken when the Kibbie family lived here.
“Where is the door?”
Most posts have been about interior spaces in the Elizabeth Murphy House. The days are warming, so soon we'll turn our attention to the outside. What are we planning?
The Elizabeth Murphy House 