LA Design Treasure Hunt

Wright’s Architectural Legacy, On My Way to School! Every day on my way to and from school, I pass by a building that I never imagined would turn out to be another National Historic Landmark in the United States designed by the Wright architectural family!! 🏛️ I was instantly captivated by its Mayan-style facade the first time I saw it, and only today did I discover that this is the famous Derby House, featured in both Designboom and Dwell magazines. The James Daniel Derby House is a Mayan Revival-style residence designed in 1926 by Lloyd Wright, the son of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. It combines the Wright family’s signature philosophy of organic architecture with Art Deco and Pre-Columbian design influences, creating a truly unique aesthetic expression. ✨ The walls of the Derby House are constructed using textile blocks—a material frequently employed by the Wrights. These pre-cast concrete blocks feature intricate geometric relief patterns inspired by ancient Mayan architecture. The blocks are joined with metal reinforcements for structural integrity, a method known as "textile block construction." 🧱⚒️ The decorative details include repeated stepped geometric motifs and symmetrical relief, reminiscent of Mayan pyramids. Entrances and window frames are also adorned with Mayan-inspired carvings, giving the structure a mysterious aura of ancient civilization. Inside, the Derby House emphasizes open space, reducing traditional room divisions to enhance the flow of light and air. 🌿💡 Wright paid special attention to the interaction between the building and its natural surroundings. The windows are designed to allow abundant natural light while offering expansive views of the surrounding valley and greenery. Materials such as concrete blocks, wood, and glass harmonize with the environment, embodying the idea that architecture should grow organically from the land. Check out the feature on Designboom here: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/lloyd-wright-derby-house-listed-sale-los-angeles-california- #LosAngeles #Wright #FrankLloydWright #ArchitecturalMaster #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyStyle #LandmarkArchitecture #HistoricArchitecture #HistoricalBuilding