Commissioned in 1965 by Lawrence Hyde, this house designed by Bruce Goff is located in suburban Kansas City. Because the house remains a private residence, I took photos only of the front which could be seen from the street. I’m fairly certain that the other elevations would be just as interesting!
As in many other Goff houses, the fireplace chimney pierces a skylight to magical effect. Below the shallow roofline, continuous bands of glass further emphasize horizontality. Goff’s fondness for glass ashtrays is also happily expressed here – those that I could see were all of green glass. The shingled exterior is expressively rendered.
The house seems more at ease with the landscape than neighboring houses of conventional design.
Goff’s signature ashtrays are found in the front door, porch balustrade, and lighting above the porch.
The shingled wall flares just above the foundation. The skylight surrounding the chimney is barely visible. A pyramidal framework covers both.
This 2014 image, courtesy of Google Street View, shows more clearly the low pyramidal form of the roof. The relationship of the chimney’s pyramidal framework to the triangularly notched window (with its surrounding shingle pattern echoing the shape) can also be seen.
A diagonal panel inset with ashtrays fills a corner – balancing a matching door on the other side of the room. They are reminiscent of doors and panels in Goff’s 1947 Ledbetter house.
The beautiful brick is like that of Goff’s Frank House.
Beautiful and fun!
Really Interesting!Do you think the current paint colors are close to the original colors?
Good question! I’m not certain, but I think the current colors are close to the original. The interior window valance (the pattern of which extends to the exterior over the porch) is original and relates well to the other exterior colors, so I am guessing that the current look is what was intended. But I’m just guessing. Anyone with more information is encouraged to comment!
The current colors reflect the orginal. I briefly owned this house in 2000-2001. Glad to see it appears well maintained.
yes
Yes the colors are fairly close.