Samara House – The Past in the Present

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It’s no stretch to say that Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most influential architects in modern history. It’s also no exaggeration to say that Samara House is one of the best places to experience the iconic approach to infusing nature with modern-day living that was the hallmark of Wright’s approach to architecture.

One of Wright’s last professional works, Samara House, is a mecca for architecture lovers worldwide.  

About Samara House

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Samara House lies about halfway between Chicago, Illinois and Columbus, Indiana, two of America’s most architecturally important and iconic cities. It’s a fitting location, considering the home was one of Wright’s last major works and one that was perhaps most true to his architectural vision. 

The purity of the design is owed mainly to the fact that Dr. John Christian and his wife, Catherine, wanted a large enough home to accommodate entertaining their family and friends and, eventually, a growing family. However, their budget was a modest one.

Through thorough research and a bit of luck, the Christians met with Wright, who agreed to design the 2,200-square-foot home within that budget with one condition: that the Christians would follow through with his designs to their full completion. And they did. 

Dr. Christian was a professor at Purdue, which is just across the street from the home, was also used for faculty get-togethers and student meetings.  Mrs. Christian was very involved with faculty groups and students.

Today, Samara House, named for the winged seeds found in pinecones, is the only one of Wright’s architectural works that most closely matches his ideas about design, composition, and the role of nature in architecture. This makes it an almost fully realized Usonian design, boasting over 40 of Wright’s architectural innovations. 

Touring the Home

Last year, in 2023, Samara House reopened after a $2 million, year-long restoration to resolve structural and mechanical issues in the home. Since then, it’s been reopened to the public for tours. However, unlike previous years, these tours are scheduled, regular occurrences rather than appointments, making it easier than ever to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architecture for yourself.   TOUR THE HOME

During the 90-minute guided tour, visitors can experience Wright’s unique approach to home design, which aims to unite interior and exterior spaces. They can also learn about his Usonian design philosophy of making middle-class homes affordable and beautiful and the personal connection Wright made with the Christians over their five-year design process. 

In addition, visitors will be able to explore multiple areas of the home, including the living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and bath, and guest bedroom and bath. Visitors are also encouraged to walk the wooded lot to fully experience how the natural beauty surrounding the home inspired both its exterior and interior.

Use of Repeated Designs

The repeated design used in the Samara House is an abstract version of  the winged seed motif.  The design is incorporated throughout the house in elements like the windows, furniture, rugs, bed linens, and even wall art.

The bedspread in the Master Bedroom

Rug in Living Room

Dining Room chairs

The Exterior

Sometimes the exterior can be as interesting as the inside.  The front door might be a bit hidden, and maybe not at the front of the area you walk up.

If you have seen photos or ever visited any Frank Lloyd Wright (FLW) home, you will notice many similarities in them.  Although each is designed to fit into the area it’s being built, you might see design touches such as  Cherokee Red color you find on many floors, no garage, low furniture, clean lines, modern touches for the time,  and open concept.  Even a few places to hide everyday objects.

Hidden TV

Hidden toaster

See the Iconic Home For Yourself

Whether you’re planning a trip to or through the area or you live there, Samara House is a place that has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The most truly Usonian home Wright ever made, Samara House is a shining example of Wright’s continual mission to bring the outdoors and indoors together into one harmonious living space. Its restoration ensures that generations to come will be able to learn from and enjoy the property.   SCHEDULE A TOUR

Other Frank Lloyd Wright Designs

 

FALLINGWATER

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

 

 

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