Frank Lloyd Wright was an American visionary who came up with the concept of Usonian home. He aimed to build a home which was both functional and affordable for average American households. The Usonian house plans were initially developed in the 1930s and have been serving as a practical choice for homeowners wanting to combine sustainability, style and simplicity. Today we will take a look at the different ideas which can help transform your dream of owning a Usonian home into reality.
An L-Shaped Layout
The standout feature of Usonian house plans is their L-shaped floor plan around the courtyard or central garden. This type of layout amplifies the privacy quotient while shielding you and your family from street view. At the same time, it opens up multiple sources of natural light and creates an aura of openness in your living space. You can incorporate modern features like a Zen garden or a swimming pool if a simple courtyard doesn’t please you much.
Open Style Living
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern living, we rarely get time to spend with our family. A Usonian home challenges this concept by bringing a sense of togetherness and encouraging interaction between family members. This is why it levies a lot of importance on open concept layout in your dining, living and kitchen spaces. Removing unnecessary walls creates a spacious atmosphere even when you are short on floor space. You can add sliding glass walls in your Usonian house plans for removing the distinct boundary between internal and external spaces.
Ample Natural Lighting
Increasing reliance on artificial lighting will reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint. It’s better to stick to natural sources through clerestory windows that are positioned above eye level. The usage of expansive glass panes allow the entry of natural light without compromising on your privacy aspects. You can combine clerestory windows with solar panels and skylights in your modern rendition of Usonian house plans.
Radiant Floor Heating
Energy-efficient heating was frequently incorporated in Usonian homes for keeping the home warm once the mercury dips drastically. This innovative feature was well ahead of the time when Frank Lloyd Wright devised the concept of Usonian homes. You can rely on sustainable flooring materials like polished concrete or bamboo in your Usonian house plans for supporting your low-maintenance lifestyle. These materials are also excellent conductors of heat to guarantee you comfortable living.
Built-In Furniture
Frank Lloyd Wright wanted to reduce clutter and promote simplicity in American homes which led him to increasingly rely on the concept of built-in furniture. Such integrated concepts also aided in maintaining a consistent visual flow. Modern homeowners can enhance the utility of their Usonian house plans with functional elements like custom cabinets for plants, books or media equipment. Practical storage solutions can be transformed into beautiful designs which are bound to bask in compliments from all your house guests.
Open Carports In The Place Of Garages
Frank Lloyd Wright liked keeping things minimal when it came to home designing. This is why the Usonian house plans often featured open carpots which could provide practical shelter for your vehicles while eliminating visual bulk. You can transform your carport by adding solar panels and a green roof for blending in beautifully with the aesthetic surroundings.
Using Natural Materials
Usonian homes radiated an aura of being rooted in its surroundings. This is why Frank Lloyd Wright increasingly used natural materials like wood, brick and stone which felt deeply connected to the environment. In the modern Usonian house plans, designers can be seen opting for exposed concrete, reclaimed wood and rammed earth walls for striking the right blend of visual interest and rich texture.
Conclusion
More and more homeowners are opening up to the concept of sustainability and Usonian house plans can be your key to achieving the same. If you thought that you had to spend your life’s savings for building an extravagant house, then you are completely mistaken. A Usonian home can assist you in remodelling your existing home or building one from scratch without exceeding your budget. There is a lot to learn from the revolutionary vision of Frank Lloyd Wright. When you design a Usonian house, you aren’t simply designing a house but creating a home having a distinct soul.