From time to time Centennial Woods will be exploring architects and designers that inspire us; this is the first post in a series:
Frank Lloyd Wright was beyond his time in ideologies. Born in 1867, he introduced impressive modern and characterized architecture in the early and mid-20th century. A glimpse at his work would suggest structural design from a period of time decades after his death in 1959. This is complimentary to his personal views about his work, “The architect must be a prophet… a prophet in the true sense of the term… if he can’t see at least ten years ahead don’t call him an architect.” Most impressively was his strong desire to incorporate nature into his architecture. He did this in all aspects of a structure: interiors, exteriors, furnishings and accents. Wright coined his work as organic architecture, a phrase that held no meaning in his time, but is fully understood today.
Frank Lloyd Wright found a depth in nature that he would not allow to be divided by structures built by mankind. Instead, he melded the two. Stone, wood and even water are prominent in his work. The craftsmanship he provided in woodwork showed through, down to the furniture. Unique, yet functional, seating, tables and decorative integration are impressively unified into his structures. Wooden wall divisions, artwork, fixtures and carvings are intricately done without being overbearing. Wright, as seen now in modern structures, incorporated drawers into walls, that are disguised albeit the visible handles. As with nature, he took advantage of natural materials as he took advantage of space.
It is admirable how Wright could convince a person to view wood in an artistic and beautiful way. He formed patterns in ceilings, inlaid wood for a polished look, made exterior wood structures to blend into the forest surrounding and made it all exist cohesively. Frank Lloyd Wright believed in the natural strength of organic materials, as well as the ability to maintain on their own. In the early 20th century, it was practiced to not overwhelm wood by adhering finishes that would prevent the natural wood from protecting itself. In the same respect, wood was kept natural, only changed by a staining.
At Centennial Woods, we strive to reflect similar concepts into our business and craftsmanship. Our material is reclaimed wood that is used throughout Wyoming for highway snow fences. Overtime, the wood is replaced, and we are there to take advantage of a unique opportunity. Nature leaves behind a weathered wood that compliments your building needs to give an original design. As Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark, we would like to leave ours. View our projects, from furniture to exterior, to determine how to incorporate us into your living space. Then contact us to begin constructing a vision into a natural reality.