The Manson House is an early, excellent example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design concept for middle-class housing, known as the Usonian style. Wright’s goal was to provide a moderately priced house so he created a system: designs based on the concept of modular flexibility that could be adapted to suit unique building sites and client needs. With the design based on a modular grid, components of the house could be prefabricated and easily installed onsite. Important design components of Usonian houses are present in the Manson house: the planning grid that was the basis for the modular design, board and batten walls, and underfloor radiant heating.

Interestingly here, Wright experimented with 30 and 60 degree angles in the modular plan, which paved the way for him to further explore triangles and parallelograms in future designs. The interior reflects Wright’s technique of manipulating ceiling heights to evoke a sense of confinement or spaciousness. The ceiling height is lower in the foyer and hallway, and upon entrance to the living room, the higher ceiling and windows gives the illusion of a larger space. The home has been lovingly restored by its current owners.

This house is a private residence and is not open to the public. Please respect the rights and privacy of the owners.