Disabled World War II Veteran Kenneth Laurent was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. His daily challenges included narrow doorways, narrow hallways, and stairs everywhere.
In 1948 Kenneth received a $10,000.000 Veterans Administration Disability Housing Grant. Phyllis, his wife, saw an article in House Beautiful about Architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Loren Pope House and thought that the open floorplan would meet his needs.
Kenneth wrote to Wright and asked him to design a home for Phyllis and him for $20,000.00. The Architect accepted the commission and the challenges of designing a handicapped-accessible home.
Rough-finished Chicago Common Bricks and Cypress Wood from surplus World War II shipping crates were used to stay within the project's budget.
Frank Lloyd Wright's homes are
designed with carports.
is mounted to the right of
the front door.
Eric, at the wide front door
Wright's innovations.
Colors chosen for the Laurent House are Orange, Green, and Cherokee Red. Phyllis had the furniture reupolstered with pink fabric in the 1980s.
Kenneth's hat & gloves with
a
photo of Phyllis & him.
The furniture was designed to
seat everyone at eye level
with Kenneth.
The Cherokee Red Floor is
a series of squares.
The Laurents entertained at home because of the many challenges Kenneth faced in other people's homes, at restaurants, and public places.
The Living Room's Light Tower
The "inverted corner windows," on the left, allow more light into the house and create the feeling that nature is within arm's reach.
Wright incorporated geometric
shapes into the homes he
designed.
The fireplace is square & the
small tables are triangular.
The Fireplace Grate is a
series of squares.
Shelving separates the Living
Room from the Dining Room
& Kitchen.
Simple shelves are used to
The Kitchen Counter was
replaced.
The 1950s Refrigerator is donated.
Phyllis updated appliances during
the 60 years she & Kenneth lived
here.
Piano Hinges were used for
cabinet doors throughout
the house.
The Laurents slept in Twin Beds.
Even though Kenneth was
paralyzed, he had leg tremors.
Placing the beds along one wall
provided plenty of space for
Kenneth to move around.
The green chair is the color Frank Lloyd Wright chose for this house.
Kenneth had a small office in
the Bedroom.
The clothing rod in the Closet
was lowered for his use.
The Bathroom Sink & Toilet
are also lower.
The Tub
The Shower
One last thing...
The outlets were installed at
an easy-to-use height for
Kenneth. (Light switches too)
Adopted son Marc's Bedroom
The angled horizontal surfaces
add dimensionality to
traditionally flat facings.
The cabinets don't reach the floor. Kenneth's wheelchair could be easily be positioned beneath so he can access them.
Walking into the back hallway...
The seating is rounded to allow
him to easily navigate the turn.
There is storage beneath the
seating in the hallway...
... that overlooks the pond
next to the house &
the backyard beyond.
Kenneth fed the fish in the
pond through this small
hole in the floor.
The backyard
The corner windows
add dimensionality to
the home's exterior.
Eric & me beneath the curved roof
at the back of the house.
Next... the addition to the Laurent House. Kenneth and Phyllis adopted their daughter, Jean and a bedroom was added.
Cabinets line the hallway
to Jean's bedroom.
The Bathroom is set up
to accomodate everyone.
Jean's Bedroom
The Laurent family's life was enhanced and enriched in their custom designed home. Kenneth and Phyllis spent 60 years here, in the house specially built for them.
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2 comments:
You have such an awesome way of describing everything you encounter. We are so glad to be included. For the record…you two look great 😊
Great Blog! I’m learning a lot . You do a Excellent Job with your descriptions. I appreciate you tak I’mng us with you on your journey.
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