B.

HARLEY BRADLEY HOUSE

Introduction
A SHORT INTRODUCTION ON THE B. HARLEY BRADLEY HOUSE, IT IS A
TWO-STOREY HOUSE LOCATED IN 701 South Harrison Avenue,
Kankakee, ILINOIS. IT WAS DESIGN BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT IN 1900
AND WAS WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED AS WRIGHT’S FIRST PRAIRE
STYLE DESIGN. For many years the home passed through the hands
of different owners and eventually fell into disrepair but was finally
saved through restoration. Today, the B. Harley Bradley House is
listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized by
the National Park Service. The house has been significantly restored
and is close to its original condition but is still missing many original
furnishings and artifacts.

Form, Exterior, Interior.

The exterior of the house has the perfect mix of simplicity and elegance. It has no curves
and just sharp edges. the middle portion of the house is somewhat its focal point because of
it provides depth and is kind of the eye catcher of the structure. Both levels of the house is
covered by a carpet flooring that is complimentary to the wall finishes. The interior of the
house is as pretty as the exterior because of the small details. French doors with art glass for
the added elegance and False beams on the ceilings, perfect because of the wood accents
on the fresco finish walls of the house.

Layout and Zoning

While looking at the floor plan, I thought I was not reading the plan properly when I saw two
front doors. But then I checked the other drawings such as the elevations, there were
actually two front entrances. It is quite unconventional but surely, Frank Lloyd Wright had a
purpose for putting the two swing doors there. The stairs were properly located and
designed. It was not showing when you enter the house but is easily accessible, the perfect
balance of accessibility and privacy. The zoning of the house is great since it’s a two-storey
house. Public areas on the first floor, private areas on the second. The kitchen and service
areas are well clustered and has access to the dining area that is hidden from the living
room. You could really say that the house was well planned.

Is it Relevant?
The layout and the zoning could still be applicable to houses today because of its design
principles. The way that the stairs are perfectly placed in a way that it is accessible without
being exposed, the way that spaces in this house are separated into areas are great
concepts that could greatly impact our designs today.

End
Credits