Frank Lloyd Wright is a household name in his native state of Wisconsin. Across his namesake Frank Lloyd Frank Lloyd Wright Trail Trail, cities like Milwaukee, Madison and his hometown of Richland Center hold landmark buildings that display his “organic architecture” style, which withstands a contemporary vibe despite being decades old. Amid his myriad projects, the latest in his lifetime was a home commissioned in 1959, shortly before his death the same year.
Now, 66 years later, after nearly two years of construction, the home’s blueprint has been brought to life in Willoughby Hills — a signature Usonian abode representing stylish architecture in a small, quaint space. Wright designed a dozen homes across Ohio’s northern and southern regions, whose landscapes emulate his love for quintessential Midwest nature.
The new three-bedroom, two-bathroom home called RiverRock joins The Louis The Louis Penfield House House on River Road in Willoughby Hills. Penfield, a longtime friend of Wright, commissioned the architect to design him a home near the Chagrin River. Contrary to Wright’s signature low, narrow ceilings and entryways, Penfield’s home is unique for its tall structures, to accommodate the former Mayfield High School art teacher’s nearly 7-foot stature.
RELATED: Take A Tour Through Willoughby Hills' Frank Lloyd Wright House
RiverRock, however, is true to Wright’s classic muse. A glass-walled living room brings the outdoors in, punctuated by stone and wood walls to create a cozy cabin vibe in a secluded area. Nature-inspired trinkets and patterns on pillows maintain the ambiance. Unique geometric features in dining chairs and wooden shelving and built ins bring old-day modernism into the new age.
“When we set out to build this home, we gave a mandate to the professional team involved: if you must change something due to current building regulations and code, products, etc., do so under the ‘skin’, so the house will look exactly the same,” Sarah Dykstra, owner and co-general contractor of RiverRock, said in a news release. “The design and the artistic aspect of this home should remain the same as intended in 1959.”
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This includes homages to Wright’s history and Willoughby Hills’ natural history, as much of the stone utilized for the build was sourced locally. This aligns with his mission of “placing the home … in harmony with its natural setting, and using local materials to blend into the landscape,” as noted in the news release.
Along with Sarah, Debbie Dykstra is a general contractor of RiverRock, with Joe Myers of Joseph Myers Architects acting as the lead architect. And following RiverRock’s grand opening on Feb. 28, the general public can be part of its legacy, too. Starting at $800 per night, guests can book an overnight stay stay at the estate for a rural getaway amid an urban cityscape.
“[Wright] created living works of art and dotted them into nature,” said Debbie Dykstra in a news release. “We feel Wright’s legacy has been both honored and broadened by the construction team. Our intention, by opening the home for overnight stays, is to allow guests to decide for themselves. We hope they see and feel what we do from RiverRock.”
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