Graycliff on Earth

Wright was masterful at creating architecture that is one with nature and intrinsic to the landscape. At Graycliff, Wright chose to express the earth elements by assigning a repeating architectural form that creates a symbiotic relationship between the house and the earth elements of fire, water and air. An unfolded half hexagon could describe the shape of that repeating architectural form. The unfolding of the half hexagon is repeated in three focal areas of the plan. The architecture interacts with one of the earth elements at each of these three points.

An example of this unfolded half hexagon is at the entrance to the house. Across from the entry door is a stone water fountain. The limestone walls of the pool are shaped as two connecting half hexagons. The walls of the fountain unfold and incorporate two stone piers that support the roof of the porte cochere. The water in the fountain is contained by the half hexagon and is then released into the landscape by the other half hexagon. This is where the house interacts with the earth element of water. See photo above.

As we enter the house and pass into the main room, a massive limestone fireplace is our immediate focus. The 7 foot walk-in fireplace is shaped as a half hexagon. The fireplace unfolds into the stone columns that support the upper storey. Here is where the house interacts with the earth element of fire. The fire is embraced by the architecture in the form of an unfolded half hexagon. See photo above.

To the left of the fireplace is a bank of windows and doors that allow you to pass through to the lakeside terrace. The terrace staircase leads you down to a sunken garden refered to as the esplanade. The stone walls of the esplanade are attached to the house at one end. At the far end of the esplanade, a stone bench is cantilevered over the 70 foot cliff. The bench is shaped as a half hexagon that unfolds itself into the garden wall. Here is where the architecture reaches out into space and interacts with the earth element of air.

Frank Lloyd Wright succeeded in creating a building that interacted with Nature. His clients may not have understood the philosophy behind his architectural ideas, but Wright persisted so that others might discover the genius in his work.

Come to visit Graycliff and make a discovery of your own!

words and photographs 2003
carl matthew schmitter