Prairie Style
Carrie McIntosh & Danielle Larison
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The Prairie style, introduced by Frank Lloyd Wright, worked to create buildings that would depict the Midwestern prairie landscape. In the 1920s, these architects were seeking to design buildings that would differ from the popular revival styles.
Prairie homes can be recognized by their horizontal facade. Gable and hipped roofing styles with especially broad overhangs. This style of house was usually two stories including a large rectangular chimney with walls light colored-brick/stucco or wood. If building with stucco, architects would place dark wooden strips against the stucco. Also, the walls never had curves; they were strictly built using right angles. The windows were arranged in a horizontal ribbon method using casement style windows. Structures such as a one-story porch, terraces, and walls coming from the main structure were used to allow for a more horizontal appearance.
The interiors were influenced by the Queen Anne and Shingle style. Wood was used to decorate the walls and staircases. On walls, the wood was in vertical strips. On stairs, the wood trimmed the stairs with geometric designs. Some architects worked with built-in cabinets and furniture. |
Main Prairie Page Examples of Prairie Style Architects of Prairie Style
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