712 Thirteenth Street was built in 1951. This house is a split-level Usonian style home. The term Usonian was coined by Frank Lloyd Wright, a prominent architect during this time. Usonian style homes are designed to support an indoor-outdoor lifestyle where the building “flows” on its landscape and people “flow” from room to room. Often, a mix of materials is used to emphasize the different prts such as the light paint on the flat roofs and the darker brick on the body of the house. The door and windows are highlighted through the use of different materials. The door has the same brick as the fireplace, while the windows most likely have aluminum lining. These features added to the “flowing” style of the architecture.Although Laramie Usonian homes are more muted than more well-known Usonian homes they still portray details that are indicative of their time.
During the mid-century modern building period an emphasis was placed on the family. Contrasting window sizes show the location of bedrooms and living rooms. The large windows on the left side of the house, facing the yard, indicate the designer’s intention to allow families to simultaneously “be” in an indoor space and an outdoor space. In warmer climates these windows were generally on the rear of the house. However, in Laramie these windows are generally on the south side of the house and better able to take in winter sunlight. The small windows indicate bedroom and other private spaces.
On the left side of the house there is a brick wall delineating the backyard. This wall is brick inlayed with artistic bricks that display a stylized floral pattern. This floral pattern breaks up the uniformity of the brick providing a pleasant visual. In addition, a wide chimney rises from the flat roof. These massive fireplaces were a central feature of the living room or dining room where families gathered to spend time with one another. Kitchens were often connected to these spaces so that even when adults were working in the kitchen, they could still keep an eye on and participate in their children’s activities.
The Usonian home style is one of the most iconic styles of mid-century home. They stand out in their neighborhoods. The large windows were designed to draw light into the home. The design was intended to both fade into and stand out in the landscape. The buildings that generally capture the attention of architects are found in California, but Laramie has its own fair share of iconic homes like 712 Thirteenth Street.
Homes like 965 Fourteenth Street show glimpses into our American past when our countrymen and women were dreaming big. This time period was filled with big dreams and hopes for the future. These homes show the progression of Laramie to the modern day. Laramie has a great opportunity to show its progression through time, from the pioneers of the frontier to the pioneers of space. Homes like these have great value to demonstrate Laramie’s history and that of the nation at large.
During the mid-century modern building period an emphasis was placed on the family. Contrasting window sizes show the location of bedrooms and living rooms. The large windows on the left side of the house, facing the yard, indicate the designer’s intention to allow families to simultaneously “be” in an indoor space and an outdoor space. In warmer climates these windows were generally on the rear of the house. However, in Laramie these windows are generally on the south side of the house and better able to take in winter sunlight. The small windows indicate bedroom and other private spaces.
On the left side of the house there is a brick wall delineating the backyard. This wall is brick inlayed with artistic bricks that display a stylized floral pattern. This floral pattern breaks up the uniformity of the brick providing a pleasant visual. In addition, a wide chimney rises from the flat roof. These massive fireplaces were a central feature of the living room or dining room where families gathered to spend time with one another. Kitchens were often connected to these spaces so that even when adults were working in the kitchen, they could still keep an eye on and participate in their children’s activities.
The Usonian home style is one of the most iconic styles of mid-century home. They stand out in their neighborhoods. The large windows were designed to draw light into the home. The design was intended to both fade into and stand out in the landscape. The buildings that generally capture the attention of architects are found in California, but Laramie has its own fair share of iconic homes like 712 Thirteenth Street.
Homes like 965 Fourteenth Street show glimpses into our American past when our countrymen and women were dreaming big. This time period was filled with big dreams and hopes for the future. These homes show the progression of Laramie to the modern day. Laramie has a great opportunity to show its progression through time, from the pioneers of the frontier to the pioneers of space. Homes like these have great value to demonstrate Laramie’s history and that of the nation at large.
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