Inside The Home Frank Lloyd Wright Designed For His Son | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

Today, AD travels to Phoenix, Arizona, to tour the David and Gladys Wright house-the home designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright for his son. When your father is America’s most celebrated architect, the greatest gift he could give you is a house, and this unique home uses many of the same ideas Lloyd Wright incorporated in the design of the Guggenheim Museum. The spiral structures, often symbolizing the infinite or longevity, are poetic, as David and his wife Gladys lived to be over 100 years old in this house. After many years of neglect and threats of demolition, father-and-daughter duo Bing and Amanda Hu bought the house and have since been on a mission to restore it to its former glory, keeping its legacy alive.
Archival Photos Courtesy of Pedro E. Guerrero
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[@filmcrew3531]

A Frank Lloyd Wright house that was on the verge of destruction? WOW! Thank you to the family Hu for rescuing and restoring it! Beautiful!

[@arielfille55]

Seriously!

[@kibibishaw1194]

That’s what I was thinking!!! 🫣🤯😩🙏🏽

[@garylivingston9052]

The modern day builders/developers don't care about history or unique properties. They could build 2-3 houses on that property.

[@JohnPrepuce]

@@garylivingston9052 - If they were allowed to, they would tear down the Statue of Liberty and put up condos. For some people, nothing is sacred except profit.

[@MrVvulf]

The Hu family should request the help of the National Register of Historic Places as well as the local zoning authorities to get some level of recognition for the property. Tax incentives can be part of the plan, perhaps enabling a trust for maintenance and stewardship for the long term. It would be a tragedy if the house built by Frank Lloyd Wright for his son was demolished.

[@grandreveler]

So glad that this house did not get demolished. It's a masterpiece. Thank you to the Hus for saving and restoring it.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it. It's a disgrace!

[@donpertuit1243]

What a treasure for our country how could destruction of this house be fair. 😊

[@nikos5566]

Amen to that!

[@zacka161]

As a wheelchair user, seeing a ramp access incorporated into a beautiful design as a feature to celebrate is really quite moving.

[@emilyv6910]

That’s the first thing I noticed too, amazing

[@deleteddata6671]

Literally

[@justthink5854]

yeah you would move down at 20 mph. great sculpture, but there is really no reason to raise this to a second level other than Wright's ego to use a ramp up for uncovered cars to bake in the sun and which would have to backed down in reverse. great that they've restored it, but it doesn't relate to it's site at all.

[@sharksport01]

It's great he elevated the house to escape scorpions and rattlesnakes.

[@MrDonkrypton]

@@justthink5854 : I'm sure, this is a walkway, not a driveway.

[@AudreyLMcFarland]

The to Hu family - Thank you! As an American, I am honored that you felt so passionate about preserving this house!

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it. It's a disgrace!

[@Susweca5569]

Amazing that any builder would think to demolish a treasure like this and replace it with mediocre cookie cutter structures. I'm always grateful for people like this who are willing to preserve and protect such such unique homes.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and 'cookie cutter structures' are being built all around it. It's disgraceful!

[@suzannemorrell439]

I remember when this was up for sale not that long ago., I hadn't realized a company had bought it and slated it for demolition. What a loss that would have been. We are so grateful to the Hu family for taking on this rescue and restoration. Thank you so very much.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it. It's disgraceful!

[@user-jo2wc1xs7p]

Corporate Vandalism 😤

[@MatthewHarrisStudio]

Thank you Bing and Amanda for preserving this beautiful masterpiece. Such a beautiful story on so many levels.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it. Disgraceful!

[@JoelDavid678]

Such an honor to have told this story!! So proud of this video! 🥲🥲🥲

[@coolster124]

Is the house only one bedroom? There was only the primary that you showed

[@lovingmayberry307]

You should be proud! 👍😊

[@colors6692]

🤦🏿‍♀

[@Starfish2145]

Great job!

[@lilacer6841]

Beautiful house full of character

[@drakbar5957]

An architectural masterpiece now in the hands of loving caretakers. A sincere debt of gratitude to the Hus for their generosity and vision.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it. It's disgraceful!

[@BabyJesus66]

​@@anthonythompson9741how many times are you gonna copy and paste this reply on every comment?

[@beckyrubin3754]

How devastating would it have been to demolish this masterpiece? A million thanks to the Hu family, their vision and dedication to the restoration of a national treasure.

[@pierre.a.larsen]

That is another masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright. A big thank you to the Hus for preserving the house. It would be a crime to tear it down.

[@timothyfinlay5062]

Not every building deserves to be saved, but this one sure does. I lived in Phoenix during the tribulations with this house, and am thrilled at what has happened. I was recently at Falling Water, again, and this house feels the same. Pure Wright.

[@pamg2628]

Thank you to the Hu family for restoring this beautiful piece of history. This comes at a poignant moment after the disturbing news of the demolition of a historical house in LA.

[@thebob01]

It's great to see Frank Lloyd Wright's genius preserved instead of being demolished

[@Alice_Walker]

The house, the restoration, the filming and the editing are all BEAUTIFUL. Thank you ✨

[@angelliinna]

I had an opportunity to tour this house a couple of times. There's a guest house on the property that's just as amazing. Glad to see that it is being restored for future generations to appreciate.

[@anthonythompson9741]

The guest house has been moved to accomodate a new McMansion under construction. The properties around the house have now been sold off by the current or recent owner and McMansions are being built all around it.

[@tamarrajames3590]

@@anthonythompson9741Where was the guest house moved to?🖤🇨🇦

[@emmajilrowanna6772]

The decorative concrete blocks are stylized orange trees, referrencing the orange groves that surrounded the house when it was built.

[@persebra]

wow!

[@JacksonDreyer]

Ooo great call. That’s awesome

[@dubs31]

Thank you, Mr. Bing Hu and Ms. Amanda Hu. This was a real treat to visually experience, with the help of AD & The FLW foundation. Be well, all.

[@trevoclark]

HUGE thanks to Bing and Amanda for saving this!

[@hanskloss1331]

as a kid that ramp holds endless possibilities for fun rides on bikes , skateboards , etc

[@zb7293]

And when is elderly person it helps with Safeta, reduces chance off fall...

[@najatm]

So typical people tearing down history for profit. Thank you Hu family for rescuing such a gem of historical architecture!

[@michaeljacobs8458]

Thank you Mr Hu and Amanda For saving the house and it’s legacy .

[@neilfowler3284]

Wonderful that the Hu family restored this. It would have been a tragic loss.

[@BlueSaphire70]

May I join the many others who have thanked the Hu family for restoring and preserving this house. Thank you!

[@shelbynamels7948]

The challenge with a round(ed) design is putting in furniture designed for a standard box-design house. Designing furniture to go with the house becomes a must.

[@davidhorizon8401]

So glad someone with the skills and the love bought this house and is restoring it. It would be a tragedy if we were to lose it.

[@sujathaviswanathan7210]

This is not a house, but a masterpiece as Mr. Hu notes at the end of the video. Absolutely breathtaking! Love AD more and more for such meaningful content!

[@melissahyatt9626]

I’ve been to Falling Water twice and now this is on my bucket list to see! So glad they stepped in and saved it. There is such a peace and serenity in Wright’s design.

[@user-ug4oi5ls5w]

I've ridden my bike by this house many times, and peered through the fence, wondering about the story of this house. Thanks for tour!

[@heatherwind]

Just the thought that someone would be so calloused as to want to demolished this for a modern construction is horrifying. Bless the Hu family for rescuing and preserving it!

[@findingthatperfectspot4692]

Thank you, Mr Hu, for saving this incredible masterpiece. I can't believe it was scheduled for demolition. What a glorious piece of architecture!

[@daiheadjai]

Way better than another celebrity McMansion video!

[@shiningbearable]

im so grateful to the HU family for saving this beautiful treasure. ... thank you three fold.... beautiful karma for you...

[@barbarabonnette2705]

This house is taking my imagination away! Such a magnificent piece of art…..it lives and breathes the magic of movement and nature. It’s evident that this project was a labor of love.

[@theabrasileno1921]

Wright is such a legend. This house's design is timeless

[@jonathan_careless]

The leaking roofs in all Wright's homes was another way he connected exterior with interior. ;)

[@sharksport01]

😂

[@AdamBechtol]

:p

[@lyarrastark6254]

I admire Frank Lloyd Wright's unique and beautiful architecture. Thank you to the Hu family for preserving and restoring this architectural jewel.

[@jenny-bu4le]

what a grand yet cozy space. can’t believe anyone would think to tear this down. this is art and history

[@MyaBritton]

A house he designed in the 1940’s is currently for sale in Kalamazoo MI. Such a beautiful house.

[@NoseyFloridaGirl]

I can’t believe they were going to demolish this treasure. Thank you for rescuing this gem .

[@lenahelz]

My MIL lives on the same street as this house and I’ve always wanted to see the inside!! A dream come true.

[@bitrage.]

Absolutely beautiful house, and the Architects that restored it are extremely skilled.....

[@finaboykm]

Luckily to have been raised in the Buffalo area there were/are still numerous homes that he designed still alive and well taken care of. Seeing those who care to preserve Franks gift, there will never be enough “ thank you’s “ for what you have done now and for the future generations. Thank You…

[@frankpickrell]

Always loved how he kept plywood exposed and made it art.

[@steveparsons6324]

Kudos to the Hu family for saving this iconic and beautiful masterpiece!

[@avidworkslol]

What an absolutely stunning house. It's a shame we've become so enamored with profit and speed we've stopped building them like this.

[@cpi23]

so wonderful that they're restoring it together

[@nextwave1314]

FLW was, and still is, the greatest architect. He was endlessly inventive and creative. No one comes even close. True genius.

[@DawnOldham]

I went to high school very near the college in Lakeland, Florida that Frank Lloyd Wright designed. So I've known him to be a "big deal" for many years. He has a very recognizable style, and deserves the fame he has.

[@sikugord03]

I’m not usually a big fan of unusual homes but this for some reason I love. It feels serene. And I love the interior.

[@ShootItALBY]

Worth 15 minutes of my day. Just amazing to see and hear its history and materials FLR used 👏

[@darrylnelson6264]

Thank you so much for restoring a piece of America.

[@brianlee1311]

Amazing story. Inspirational. Uplifting. Touching. Many thanks to Bing and Amanda for saving this masterpiece. How this brilliant structure continues to bring families together in such a way is incredible. Love that this story takes a nice twist with the Asian connection on the American dream.

[@paxwallace8324]

Yeah this is my favorite Frank Loyd Wright house. Even more than the Waterfall House. I was born the year this house was completed

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Special thanks to the Hu family!

[@d.s.douglas1281]

ThankYou ThankYou ThankYou Hu Family !!!❤

[@shitzuation]

Bing & Amanda Hu *THANKYOU* for your love & respect for historic architecture! ❤

[@juliebarnett9812]

This is magnificent. I can't believe someone wanted to tear it down.

[@bretthemminger6133]

What an amazing story of saving such a masterpiece of architecture.

[@sandykwan817]

Thank you AD for posting! This is such a surprisingly moving video! The guide/narrator's referential telling of the story of the house, combined with the Hu family's dedication to preserving and restoring this building, is just (chef's kiss). FLW would have been so pleased. Bravo!

[@hermyt]

I have not heard much about Wright's spiral forms. This is a beautiful house and restoration.

[@alexbrown9351]

Lovely video. If there were a FLW architecture tour BINGO card, "Compression & Release" would be the free space in the middle.

[@donaldfinch1411]

How have I never heard of this FLW piece before? Gorgeous.

[@crawkn]

This is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen, to my taste.

[@Spacebanana-im5qt]

Wow, what an amazing house. I've seen a lot of Wright's designs, but this one is my new favorite, along with Fallingwater. What a stroke of luck that somone bought it with the intention of saving it.

[@SetInStoneNow]

What an amazing building. So uplifting. Perfect background music, too.

[@gabrielbatiz8168]

This is great love the idea of a foreign person appreciating the art regardless of origin. So happy that he did this.

[@jeannettesalazar6442]

He is one of my favourites architects. 😊

[@coffeeisgood102]

I am not by any means a fan of modern architecture but I have to admit that this property is stunning. It appears to be not modern art for modern arts sake, but a carefully thought out plan to maximize space, functionality and emotions under one roof.

[@vinceveltri7732]

Thank you for saving this gem.

[@anthonypetty9288]

What a fantastic house! Massive thanks to the Hu family for saving and restoring this, and thank you for sharing this.

[@davepaul8975]

Thank You for restoring this National Treasure.

[@ooodlesofdooodles9994]

I used to dance with Amanda her family is and has always been absolutely incredible!

[@southhillfarm2795]

I love Frankie’s way of thinking and his use of common materials. Thanks for sharing.

[@flatout420]

Every small details of the house is astounding

[@cesarparra6025]

I've seen videos of the hyper luxurious houses of the ultra rich, but this house beats them all, no luxury beats great organic design, if only there was a way to marry these concepts.

[@tlockerk]

Given his life and the chaos and tragedy, it's understandable that spirals appealed to him. Plus the ramp is a GREAT entry for a life-long house.

[@josephinebrevig8748]

What a masterpiece. A monumental restoration project ❤

[@TheLowJacq]

Thank you for preserving Phoenix history and part of the neighborhood that I grew up in.

[@KA-su9ww]

Been to four Wright building a must have experience as all of his buildings are.

[@Lacoux]

Why would you destroy that masterpiece for 2 spec houses? Soulless developers ugh

[@Neojhun]

Mr Krabs: I Like Money!

[@Lacoux]

@@Neojhun Basiclly

[@donwarner6925]

Ask Chris Pratt.

[@hakukuze7947]

Fascinating piece. I probably learned more about design than many other videos I’ve watched. I’ve visited a few of Wright’s homes and always find them intriguing even if not warm. Great presenter with efficiency of words without the usual over flowering you see in so many videos.

[@mpc5584]

Wow what a classic... thank you for preserving this with your painstaking efforts!

[@carlinkay1151]

How amazing is this house! A true visionary ….timeless architecture!

[@glynislailann9056]

Thank you for this tour of one of the most beautiful examples of architectural art.

[@ttaibe]

you lost me at that cement blocks can be beautiful. But I am glad this building was saved.

[@ruffinarector541]

Thank you Thank you for preserving this precious masterpiece!!!!

[@jamesbowie6925]

What an incredible piece of design and construction, simply beautiful

[@NottsLadG]

The fact that it was bought to be demolished is exactly what's wrong in the world . Too many with money don't care about history only the future. Luckily there's still people like these who do care ❤

[@davecypress]

Fantastic!! Kudos AD for producing this to share the inspiring and remarkable restoration of an FLW treasure. One of the best posts as of late and a refreshing alternative to the celeb crib vids.

[@pibbitybibbity]

I hope they’ll restore the pool as well. Maybe not in its original form, but as close to the original as possible. The biggest observation of this video for me is seeing all the bland, awful McMansions surrounding this iconic part of history.

[@sharksport01]

Even a 8" deep reflecting pool would be nice.

[@Alodri]

Agreed, mainly to preserve FLW's intention of incorporating the material (water) into the design in the first place. I think just the sight of water could reinforce the idea of "flow" present in the spiral itself as well as contrast the concrete block

[@trails3597]

What a beautiful restauration and tribute to a great architect!

[@suemccord2633]

Great video 🎉APPLAUSE to the Hu Family ❤ Thank You So Very Much For the Magnificent Restoration. Much Love and Respect ❤

[@glennmartin6492]

That long approach pathway is something Wright incorporated into many houses including Falling Water in a modification.

[@kcook4243]

Falling Water house most familiar to me since I live in mid Atlantic

[@tristenbuchanan5262]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of the continued love for Frank’s incredible architecture.

[@jengirl2]

That overhead shot! 😍😍😍

[@234930]

I love reflecting on the intra-generational juxtapositional aspects of the house

[@domdela5217]

You guys did a wonderful job of restoring the house. I love the unique features and elevating the cement block. I had to watch it again.

[@anunabukia]

A fantastic story! On so many levels. Cheers, Bing and Amanda!

[@lcarolynghearing854]

Such a beautiful video! Thank you for sharing a part of Mr Wrights thinking and eventual conclusion!!