The soul of the house, with apologies to Will Shakespeare

If eyes are the windows into the soul, then can windows be the soul of the house? I think they are in the case of the Usonians. The entire focus of the Usonians is the thrust of the inhabitants to the world outside. Although the side that faces the street obscures the house from the common passers-by, and the entries are somewhat hidden from view, once one enters a Usonian or for that matter, most of Frank Lloyd Wright houses, the world outdoors is welcomed in through multitudes of well designed and well placed windows.

Windows are the most expensive part of any house, and this one is no exception. We have so many windows that, I think I have mentioned this before, we are using plywood as our framing material as well as 2x6s instead of 2x4s to ensure stability. We have clerestory windows, casement windows, windows that are also doors, sidelights on the door and windows that edge along the fireplace masonry. So, when our still nameless builder called to tell us that if we ordered them today, we'd get a 10% discount from Anderson, we jumped right on it.

The reason we went with Anderson is that they have a good rep, and they also have Frank Lloyd Wright art glass inserts. Later on, when the money all settles out, then we can see about purchasing the inserts for the front door etc.

http://www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite/art-glass_Frank-Lloyd-Wright_artisan_classic.htm

This is right from the Anderson Windows website.

What does Usonian Mean?

In 1936, when the United States was in the depths of an economic depression, American architect Frank Lloyd Wrightdeveloped a series of homes he called Usonian. Designed to control costs, Wright's Usonian houses had no attics, no basements, and little ornamentation.

The word Usonia is an abbreviation for United States of North America. Frank Lloyd Wright aspired to create a democratic, distinctly American style that was affordable for the "common people."

Thanks to Jackie Craven of www. architecture.about.com for this succinct explanation of the Usonian house.

I should have been able to remember that simple definition, but alas, my memory, never good, has been further damaged by too many falls from too many horses.

Our little house, should the bank agree to this endeavor, will have some ornamentation. We are putting in some art glass inserts in the 400 series of Anderson windows. If we just use the 400 series for those few places where we will have art glass and the 200 series elsewhere, we can save nearly $8,000.00 according to Pat's calculations.

Although we are "common people," we plan on having an uncommon number of windows.

It is so hot here, the Food Lion parking lot is gooey.