Experiencing the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright as your home's architect: Insights from a 101-year-old residence
In the picturesque town of Pleasantville, New York, lies a significant architectural gem—Roland Reisley's home, a testament to the visionary work of Frank Lloyd Wright. As the last original client of the renowned architect still living in a home designed by him, Reisley's residence holds immense architectural and personal value[1].
Founded in the 1940s by architect David Henken, a former student of Wright, Usonia was envisioned as a utopian community of affordable, custom homes that harmoniously integrated with the surrounding landscape[1]. The Usonian homes, including Reisley's, were revolutionary for their time, costing approximately $5,000 then (about $66,000 today)[1]. They were praised for their exquisite design that seamlessly blended modern living with natural surroundings.
Reisley's home, a 3,200-square-foot house based on a hexagonal design, features a grid of 60- and 120-degree angles[1]. Every room is made up of a combination of triangles, creating a rhythm and harmony in the space. The entries to the home, like those in Wright's other buildings, have a relatively low ceiling for a sense of compression that is relieved when entering the living spaces[1].
The home's signature features include local materials, a flat roof, big glass windows, and concrete floors—all elements that reflect Wright's commitment to sustainable and egalitarian design[1]. The houses in Usonia were designed to be cooperative and not exclusive, reflecting Wright's belief that the buildings we live in shape the kinds of people we become[1].
Reisley's home has been his lifelong sanctuary, shaping his quality of life and health over the decades[1]. Neuroscientists suggest that awareness of beauty in one's environment for a long time can reduce stress, have physiological benefits, and potentially contribute to longevity[1]. Reisley, now 101 years old, attributes his long life and good health in part to living in this harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space.
The community of Usonia, with its 47 homes, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places[1]. As Reisley plans to leave his home to his one surviving son and two grandchildren, the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright's visionary work continues to inspire and influence architects and homeowners alike.
Reisley describes meeting Frank Lloyd Wright as feeling like talking to God[1]. For him, the home is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the enduring impact of Wright's design philosophy—one that integrates architecture with nature, fosters community, and contributes to the well-being of its inhabitants.
[1] Information sourced from various reputable sources.
- The community of Usonia, where Roland Reisley's home is located, showcases the integration of modern living with the natural environment, being a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophies in interior-design and environmentally-friendly home-and-garden construction.
- The lifestyle within Usonia, conceived by architect David Henken in the 1940s, emphasizes affordability and collaboration, reflecting Wright's belief that architecture can shape the community and contribute to the well-being of its inhabitants.
- Newspaper articles and lifestyle magazines often feature stories about remarkable homes that have stood the test of time, and Roland Reisley's residence, with its unique architecture and harmonious design, would certainly merit attention in an article about home-and-garden news.
