Wingspread / Frank Lloyd Wright | Classics On Architecture Lab

Architects: Frank Lloyd Wright
Client: S.C. Johnson, Herbert F. Johnson
Area: 14,000 square feet / 1300 square meters
Year: 1938-1939
Construction: Marshall Erdman & Associates
City: Wind Point, Wisconsin
Country: United States

Wingspread, a residential building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Wind Point, Wisconsin, exemplifies his Prairie School architectural style. Completed in 1938-1939, this house was commissioned by Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. and is now a National Historic Landmark. The 14,000-square-foot home features a central hub with four wings, extensive use of natural materials, and innovative design elements such as zoned heating and cooling systems. Donated to The Johnson Foundation in 1959, Wingspread now serves as a conference center and is open for public tours, showcasing Wright’s architectural legacy.

Aerial view wingspread, herbert f. Johnson house. Wind point, wisconsin - frank lloyd wright - © mark hertzberg, july 13, 2009 — Aerial View Wingspread, Herbert F. Johnson House. Wind Point, Wisconsin – Frank Lloyd Wright – © Mark Hertzberg, July 13, 2009

Wingspread, also known as the Herbert F. Johnson House, is the largest Prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The home spans 14,000 square feet and sits on 36 acres of land. This design was commissioned by Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr., then president of S.C. Johnson & Son, who desired a home that harmonized with its natural surroundings and provided a comfortable living space for his family.

Architect frank lloyd wright with scale model of wingspread, herbert f. Johnson house. Wind point, wisconsin - frank lloyd wright — Architect Frank Lloyd Wright with scale model of Wingspread, Herbert F. Johnson House. Wind Point, Wisconsin – Frank Lloyd Wright

The structure of Wingspread is characterized by its use of natural materials, such as brick and limestone, and its integration into the landscape. Wright’s design features a central hub with four wings extending outward, creating distinct areas for different functions. This radial plan not only maximizes natural light but also provides each section of the house with privacy and unique views of the surrounding environment.

Wingspread derives its name from its design, where the four wings spread out from a central core, embracing the surrounding prairie. The roof over the central Great Hall soars skyward, enhancing the house’s connection to the landscape and the sky.

Aerial view wingspread, herbert f. Johnson house. Wind point, wisconsin - frank lloyd wright - © frank lloyd wright foundation — Aerial View Wingspread, Herbert F. Johnson House. Wind Point, Wisconsin – Frank Lloyd Wright – © Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

One of the notable aspects of Wingspread is its expansive use of windows and skylights, which flood the interiors with natural light and provide a connection to the outdoors. The main living spaces are open and airy, reflecting Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, where the built environment complements and enhances the natural world.

The interiors of Wingspread display Wright’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. Custom-designed furniture, built-in features, and the use of geometric patterns are evident throughout the house. The Great Hall, with its large fireplace and soaring ceiling, serves as the focal point of the home, embodying Wright’s vision of a communal space where the family could gather and interact.

Wingspread also includes innovative features for its time, such as zoned heating and cooling systems and an early form of radiant floor heating. These elements not only enhance the comfort of the home but also demonstrate Wright’s forward-thinking approach to residential design.

There are five fireplaces in the giant hearth in the living room at wingspread, herbert f. Johnson house. Wind point, wisconsin - frank lloyd wright - © mark hertzberg, june 4, 2003 — There are five fireplaces in the giant hearth in the living room at Wingspread, Herbert F. Johnson House. Wind Point, Wisconsin – Frank Lloyd Wright – © Mark Hertzberg, June 4, 2003

Wingspread, herbert f. Johnson house. Wind point, wisconsin - frank lloyd wright - © galen frysinger — There are five fireplaces in the giant hearth in the living room at Wingspread, Herbert F. Johnson House. Wind Point, Wisconsin – Frank Lloyd Wright – © Mark Hertzberg, June 4, 2003

The house remained a private residence until 1959 when Herbert Johnson donated it to The Johnson Foundation. It now serves as a conference center, hosting meetings and events that promote social progress and environmental sustainability.

The design of Wingspread reflects Wright’s use of the open plan concept, which enhances the fluidity of the interior spaces. The wings of the house each have specific purposes: one wing houses the master bedroom suite, another contains children’s rooms, the third serves as guest quarters, and the fourth accommodates service areas including the kitchen.

The extensive grounds of Wingspread include landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and a man-made lagoon, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The outdoor spaces further emphasize Wright’s intent to create a living environment that was in harmony with nature.

Today, Wingspread is open to the public for tours, offering visitors a chance to experience Wright’s architectural genius firsthand. The house stands as a testament to Wright’s enduring influence on American architecture and his ability to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. The Johnson Foundation continues to use the site for conferences that address pressing social and environmental issues, staying true to the legacy of innovation and forward-thinking that Wright and Johnson championed.