Just a few miles from Fallingwater, the world famous Kaufmann residence designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, sits Kentuck Knob. This lesser known Wright design utilized this beautiful sandstone from the surrounding area in its construction.
In typical Wright fashion, the blending of nature with this home built for the Hagan family between 1954 and 1956 stunned us all. This signature Frank Lloyd Wright 4x4 red tile bearing his initials vibrantly adorned the muted shades of the stone to the right of the front door, signifying his approval of the project. Prior to our visit, we hadn’t known of Wright’s practice of placing a red tile on his designs; and we found the information quite intriguing.
We set out early on our road trip and thoroughly enjoyed the morning sun-dappled forest flanking both sides of the winding road leading us up the mountain and into the fascinating history of beautiful Kentuck Knob!
@cejaanderson It was, Jane! We've toured Fallingwater numerous times over the years, but this tour of Kentuck Knob was a first for us. We had a wonderful day!
I was using Fallingwater as an example in something I was writing a while ago, and while researching it (and having been there a couple of times) I was also surprised to hear there were other houses in the area that he'd built and were on display. It would be something I'd like to see if I ever got out there again. But I don't remember seeing the tile at Fallingwater- so something to look for if I'm able to visit it again. Nice shot!
That is fascinating - didn't know that about Wright and the signature tile either. Lovely focus on the texture of that native sandstone. Love the tones there.
@olivetreeann Kentuck Knob is definitely worth a visit if you're able someday, Ann! We've never seen the red tile at Fallingwater. We'll be looking for it next time we visit and asking if we don't find it. Perhaps the history of why a Wright home doesn't have a tile is as intriguing as why one does!
@nydelignorsk Thank you! The tile served as Wright's stamp of approval on a project, but a client had to pay for the tile. The Hagans paid $1,800 for it, which is equal to about $15,000 today.
@olivetreeann I agree, Ann. Wright did make his clients pay for the tile. The Hagans paid $1,800 for the one pictured here, which is the equivalent of about $15,000 today. I'm not thinking that money was an object for the Kaufmann family building Fallingwater; so if a tile isn't present at Fallingwater, perhaps it is just a result of timing as you suggested. It'll be interesting to find out some day!
