What Happened to the SC Johnson Mansion? (Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wingspread)

[@jeanettedardha1165]

I really ❤ this house, I mean the channel and also my favourite house so far cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@architypeone8646]

This is one of Wright's true masterpieces...on the level of the Robie house and Fallingwater, (although, Fallingwater will always be his greatest house....it stands alone across time). I've been to Wingspread, but it was closed to the public at the time. The exterior is a symphony of prairie style detailing.

[@LJB103]

I agree that Fallingwater is magnificent; but having seen both that and the Darwin Martin house in Buffalo, I prefer the Martin house.

[@Chinoiserie9839]

How about the Frank Thomas House? I have seen pictures of it and I thought it is a masterpiece. I was curious with its layout so I searched it online. From what I have seen that the habitable part of the house is located on the second storey? I kept comparing the photos and the layout and I still cannot figure it out if I was right with my observations.

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

Wasnt Falling Water an abysmal failure?

[@architypeone8646]

@@sopwithsnoopy8779 No.

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

@@architypeone8646 well, its a house no one can live in because of structural issues, so I would day it was a massive failure.

[@deeceepnw]

Phenomenal light and imagination. The dwelling truly does appear to be alive with dancing light and the blurring of the indoor and outdoor lines.

[@veldasorrentino4216]

That place looks just like a library to me

[@johnmiller8975]

I AM a Librarian, I could only wish

[@laurielaurie8280]

They need to put a preservative on that wooden exterior extension room sticking out. Fun designs. Makes the house interesting.

[@danielkoher1944]

We know That’s Right!

[@crystalclear5684]

"Wingspread"...wow! It's a fascinating place, and of course a masterpiece of geometrical genius. FLW clearly had a vision that grew into this futuristic labyrinth of squares and dramatic angles. I do not see however, the 'fluidity', or how a family with children actually felt comfortable living there. As a museum, and a tribute to Wright's beautiful (mathematical) mind, it's fortunate that the structure still stands.

[@heatherschechter6758]

Several years ago, my husband and I were guests of the Johnson Family and got to privately tour all the FLW buildings commissioned by the Johnson's in Racine. We heard a great story about Wingspread and HF Johnson. First night the family was in residence, they held a large dinner. HF was seated at the head of the table designed by Wright when water started dripping on his head. He immediately summoned staff to bring him a telephone. He called FLW and lit*into*him! Brand new house! Water dripping! FLW was quiet and just said "move your seat" and hung up. We also got to tour the Johnson Wax Building and we saw the Research Building which is now unsafe to enter! An amazing experience.

[@johnmiller8975]

Every wright building (except maybe the Guggenheim) leaks it's part of the Wright mystique

[@scout63b95]

Thank you for sharing your amazing story ....that sounds just like something my Dad would say ... move your chair ❤

[@UPalooza]

Darwin D Martins was so brow-beaten by the endless construction of his over-budget house, he showed up one day to insepct the work, and exclaimed in frustration "another g**-d*** urn!"

[@danielkoher1944]

I agree 💯% that exterior wood needs lots of work. While it still has a pattern to build by.

[@michignamymichigan]

It needs cleaning and staining on the suspension outshoot. I wonder if it has been refurbished over the years.

[@alanpareis734]

Thank You, As a life long FLW fan I have wanted to see more of the interior details of Wingspread. Nice job.

[@thelaurels13]

Looks like an office inside.

[@LJB103]

I was always curious about this house. I remember reading that Wright thought that this was the house he would be remembered for, but it wasn't finished in time for a big write-up about him so Fallingwater was used instead. As they say "the rest is history." I only hope that it doesn't leak as badly as the corporate hq he built for Johnson Wax. Beautiful house and an excellent video about it.

[@graciemaca6996]

Frank Lloyd Wright certainly had a unique flair for architecture, something I am very fond of. The "Wingspan" house is a testament to his creative nature. Although it is sad 😢 that Mrs. Johnson didn't live long enough to enjoy her dream house, it is nice that her husband found comfort and solace within it's walls.🤗

[@paulrand4038]

it's called WINGSPREAD

[@christopherkraft1327]

This unique home is spectacular!!! It truly is quintessential Frank Lloyd Wright!!! 👍👍🙂

[@jennymauger]

Love your descriptions ty ty ty experiencing the touches of grandeur from afar 🦅

[@kimhall5863]

One of my favorite “This House” so far❣️ If it wasn’t for your channel I would have never known the story of Wingspread~Thank you❤️

[@connieprettyman6131]

Wonderful! Wanted to see the kitchen very much..............

[@BlaineShire]

Another one of Frank's homes is Auldbrass in Beaufort, SC...amazing house.. It is privately owned now.

[@thedawneffect]

Fantastic showcase home!!!!! Loved all of it!

[@sunspiral79]

I never heard of this place before. Frank Lloyd Wright was absolutely brilliant...Thank you for sharing Sir

[@dianalord5825]

Taliesin and Falling Waters are my faves.

[@nBasedAce]

I think that Frank Lloyd Wright would be pissed that his homes are just museums and aren't being lived in.

[@paulrand4038]

You are so correct somebody who designs a home and then they turn it into Museum would just throw up the idea that that is what's going on

[@paulrand4038]

@justthink5854 wherever you plant your feet that is home, whether it's a cardboard box or a palace

[@cardboard2night]

Oh wow, I'm so early XD love Writh's architecture

[@gerryfedde3040]

What can one say other than, "Simply Amazing!" Wright was so ahead of his time you'd thing he came from a different planet.

[@jennyjatkola7094]

Thank you for the FLW treat! I wasnt familiar with this house, thanks for introducing me to it!

[@Porsche996driver]

So peaceful and calming. The house and your voice on this brief video.

[@kendranewton9071]

Absolutely beautiful house. Would love to live there. Wright was a fantastic architect. Stunning. My favorite has tho be that center area, with the 3 tiers of windows.

[@kristaroberts1158]

Ooh this might be my favorite FLR house yet!😍

[@robinleebraun7739]

There’s a documentary about Wright and specifically this house which housed the Johnson family for several years. Sam Johnson, son of the original owner, and CEO of S.C. Johnson & Sons, a multinational, multi billion dollar company tells of how the heating system (also designed by Wright) was total crap and failed almost immediately because Wright knew nothing about plumbing and the fact that copper pipes react to concrete in such a way as to literally dissolve. And the roof leaked, again because Wright knew little about roof design. And the 15 foot high fireplace constantly had the long logs stacked vertically and as they burned, they would fall into the living room. Wright designed pretty buildings but he refused to listen to anyone.

[@devonna6171]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Mr. Wrights homes all have deep design flaws which prevent them from being practical, safe, living spaces. He should have put his efforts into sculpture, perhaps, than homes. Interesting to look at but completely impractical.

[@graciemaca6996]

@robinleebraun7739- It is quite interesting for me to learn this about Frank Lloyd Wright.😮 I have never before heard about his insufficiencies in workmanship, I only heard about his talent for architecture. If this is so, he should have had others who were professional in their field do the work. By refusing to listen to reason, he showed himself not to be a humble man. Sad indeed!

[@UPalooza]

That's why architects who did listen to clients, produced the other 99 percent of conventional work for you to enjoy.

[@walterward8164]

😊 We are in the material world and this was built in a time of air. We look for balance between form and function. This clearly was built with in a dream. To stretch our imagination to higher possibilities. Dare to be more than you are. 😊

[@maverickflint1991]

The spiral staircase up to a hidden playroom and the Juliet balcony is awesome!!!

[@Chinoiserie9839]

It's so beautiful it makes me wanna cry 😢

[@corinnelaking569]

What a beautiful home! Thank you!

[@maverickflint1991]

Every one of FLW homes are awesome and could never be duplicated!!!

[@wdjones4735]

I am such a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright. This house is beautiful! The only FLW building I have 4:54 been in is the Marin Civic Center. Thanks for sharing🙂

[@johnmiller8975]

I think this is my favorite Wright design glad to see you cover it, I have been to Robie & fallingwater go to them if you can But it's also essential to remember he could scale down to a level a pair of college professors could afford. He may be alone of any architect of any era in doing that. I'm not talking about cheap urban apts "for the poor". but single family dwellings

[@kevinhanson6106]

The skylight takes my breath away - simply incredible.

[@fordkoleski7913]

Your narration of the video was exceptional!

[@ВолодимирКостенко-ш3ш]

Bravo!

[@marciafallon7653]

Oh my gosh! Even for FLW this house is amazing. Every space has it’s own form and function. Every space invites the imagination to soar!

[@nathanielalgernon975]

I've heard and seen many FLW homes but not this one. It looks like a gem. I did see the SJ Wax company headquarters building a couple decades ago and that's a fantastic building as well.

[@Minerva7]

Spectacular!

[@maverickflint1991]

I would love to see the place lit up during the day with sunlight and in the evening with the lights on. 😊👍❤️

[@maverickflint1991]

Love the chimney and every part of the home ❤️

[@caroltanzi29]

Amazing design! And that play with light,- incredible! Carol from California

[@nmc398]

I love the way Frank Lloyd Wright designed in simple minimalist styles 😍 I look forward to seeing what you post! ❤

[@vickiephilpitt7697]

FLW built for the "times"; i.e. Art Deco was becoming very popular as wall as the Bauhaus movement. That being said, Wright's buildings were every bit of the Bauhaus design " abstract, angular and geometric with little ornamentation."

[@chucklambooy8457]

This structure is yet another testament to the genius of FLW! Being here is not wanting to leave. Size of structure was mentioned as a true negative…I personally see it as a necessity and awe inspiring ☺️

[@maverickflint1991]

Love this home I would live there.❤️

[@brooos]

I designed and built all the rectangular and tilted square lamps (as well as others) in Wingspread for the Johnson Foundation in the late 1980's.

[@bethbartlett5692]

I love Frank Lloyd Wright! Genius, the man was a Welsh Genius! (He was so accurate on Interior Decorators), particularly in his era, (he called them "Inferior Desecrators".) lol, so accurate in the late 1800's - 1910, Victorian overwhelmingly overdone and busy with countless "Flowers in the Wall" (Roger Miller). The Johnson House has such a fabbulous Living Room, perfection, (no dizziness from layers of heavy drapes, Velvet and 1000 Flowers dancing about each room)

[@richardcovell1707]

I grew up in Racine. There are numerous FLW buildings....all but one built by the Johnson family. This is the only residence, the rest were commercial buildings

[@claudiamann7111]

Stunning!! Love the winding staircase for the kids. Just another amazing FLW home. Thanks so much for sharing. I wish your videos were longer.

[@jessicawells3379]

I loved this one so much!

[@robinhumphrey2692]

Not crazy sbout the house, but I still enjoyed the video. Thanks, Ken!

[@seattlebeard]

14,000 sqft ?! While it's impressive, I cannot imagine maintaining such a ridiculously oversized home. I guess that's why I'm not rich. :o)

[@steveridgewaynrtgo]

Oversized is relative. I live about nine miles from a museum home called Meadow Brook Hall. It is an 88,000 square foot Tudor Revival mansion in Rochester, Michigan. It is over 70,000 square feet bigger than "this house", yet when you see videos of the family and Mrs Wilson moving around in it, they seem very comfortable and it doesn't seem too excessive.

[@DennisMHenderson]

@@steveridgewaynrtgo^”maintaining”

[@bethbartlett5692]

Mostly 3/4 of the area in large homes merely require a dusting and vacuum once a month. The owners largely live in 4 - 5 rooms, Bedroom, Family Room, Kitchen/Dining, and where ever the Bar is located. Housekeeper and Maintenance Man, Groundskeeper and Pool Guy, rotate through on their assigned days, and that's it, other than when kids are home. They're off at school 9 months a year. Mine wasn't 14,000 sq ft, but it was half that size and these are built with craftsmanship, clay tile roof, and Stone, Granite, and Stucco. Easy to maintain. You could do it, if you desire one, apply the "Universal Law of Attraction", it's Absolute. That's how everyone else gets theirs. ... and you are everybit as worthy as these folks or me. Focus on the desires, not the undesired. Go get Your Dreams!

[@paulrand4038]

I wish the Johnson wax company didn't turn it into a conference center and just left it as a house... and then there's several times with several people including my mom and I've been up in the Crow's Nest several times and did a whole entire video of the entire Place interior and exterior it's a great marvelous building my hats off to the architect of FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT..... ❤

[@maverickflint1991]

If I could buy the place would turn it into a B&B👍

[@joavkof]

I was reading one of the comments. Wright would probably understand that no one lives at wingspan. It’s actually magnificent but not a cozy home. I’ve been to the home.

[@oltedders]

Wright's lifelong infatuation with Arts & Crafts morphing into Deco/Moderne only accelerated with time...contrary to prevailing styles. The forward looking Westhope and Robie House were on the right track to being icons of modernism. Unfortunately, as he matured, he became more obsessed with finicky details of window trim, roofline and pointless doodads slathered over the walls and ceilings like butter on boiled corn. Any innovation he is credited with is overshadowed by the quaintness of the peculiar details that are quintessentially Wright's unique designs.

[@terrymenz5838]

My first impression was that it looks more like a hotel lobby than a home. When you said it is now a conference center, that seems a more appropriate use. Also, I wonder how the acoustics are with the openness and minimal soft surfaces. FLW was a gifted architect, but his houses do not appeal to me as homes

[@janlassensession4209]

I'm a huge Wright fan but this building is just to weird for me. Also imagine those long tree logs crashing to the floor on fire.

[@UPalooza]

I love Wright houses and can identify them on sight. Wright's wealthiest clients always got an undisciplined, indulgent monster of a house. (Coonley, Darwin D. Martin, Dana Thomas, Ennis, Hollyhock, etc). Drawings of he McCormick House (unbuilt) suggest another sprawling money-pit. Few clients lived in them for long. I held off judgement on this one, till I visited; and the visit confirmed, this house is a dud. The scale is monstrous, and it's use now (as a conference center) makes more sense. The central teepee is the scale of a Hyatt Lobby. The capsule-edge fireplace is inhuman and one feels assured: ineffective. When you go down a corridor, and you encounter an occupant coming the other way, you can't pass each other. You both won't fit in those 4'-0" wide corridors. One of you has to step into a room, for the other person to pass (!). That's obtuse. The stairway is uncomfortably narrow also. I'm glad he got to try it a few times, but not sad there weren't more massive resid. commissions.

[@davidhjortnaes2000]

They recently redid the roof. I understand it cost over 1 million dollars, so it wasn't just shingles.

[@ArthurGroveman]

Applesock89 - Question - What Chinese architecture was he inspired by? Would like to read more about it. I knew he was inspired by Japanese architecture. I did not know he was inspired by ancient Chinese architecture.

[@asylumlover]

ALL I CAN SAY IS: WHATEVER!!!! BUT THAT STAIRCASE IN THE STEEL FRAME SURROUND DOES LOOK LIKE SOMETHING THAT BELONGS ABOARD THE ORIGINAL JUPITER 2 SPACESHIP FROM THE ORIGINAL "LOST IN SPACE", SO IT GRABS MY ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@albertmyers7176]

😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@devonna6171]

I really dont understand Mr. Wright’s vision. His buildings seem crude, awkward and uncomfortable to me. The tight, narrow hallways the blatantly unsafe fireplaces, the jutting harshly pointed angles….and all the extravagant upkeep. I see his homes as outwardly interesting because of their oddity but certainly not homey or inviting.

[@applesocks89]

All of those prairie houses built by Frank are simply just inspired by historic Chinese architecture. He didn’t create anything new he just revitalized an ancient architectural style. Of course, he is very honest and sincere about his Asian inspiration, considering he took many many trips to Asia during his life, for the sole purpose for inspiration and education. But he did not create the Prairie house style, he just popularized something that had already existed for thousands of years.

[@UPalooza]

He had already executed most of his asian-looking work before he ever went to Japan. (the 19-teens).

[@monkeygraborange]

Sorry, but while Wright’s homes were innovative for the time, they’re generally unlivable. The ceilings are ridiculously low, the built in furniture is boxy, inflexible and incredibly uncomfortable and the preponderance of inoperable windows make the interiors musty. They’re the epitome of “nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”

[@bushwhackermo]

Obviously a lot of work went into this on paper and building construction, but, man its ugly...

[@ropeburnsrussell]

Hotel lobby.

[@davidcattin7006]

As a house, awful. The colors, textures, decor, scale are terrible. As a conference center, all those problems are still there but at least you don't have to live with them.

[@wildfireintexas]

I’m sorry, but I abhor this house. It seems less like a family home and more like an office building.

[@quetzalcoatlz]

Could have been much more beautiful without that horrible carpet. Dear god the interior design screams public library.

[@proudvirginian]

I'm not a huge Wright fan. I don't think his stuff is all THAT great. I was already to not like it when the video started, but if I win the Power Ball I now have a new contender on the list of dream home designs. If money wasn't a thing(re: power ball) I think I would make the fireplace an elevator and keep the spiral staircase.

[@garywait3231]

Wrigliness.

[@maizie9454]

for all the talk of natural light, it looks dark. even more so considering how modern architecture has walls of massive windows. the more I see of wright, the more I think his homes weren't really great