As is common with many architects, the early work of Bruce Goff was considerably different (much more mainstream) than his later work.  The following three houses were built in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1918, 1919 and 1925 respectively.  The first and third houses show a strong Prairie (Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan) influence while a hint of his later, still emerging, creative direction may be seen in the porch of the second house.  All photos are sourced from zillow.com:

 

1918:  1401 S. Quaker Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

A strong horizontal emphasis characteristic of the Prairie style characterizes this stucco-clad house which was recently restored in a a very informed, considerate and responsible manner.  The flattened Gothic arches reappear in some of his later designs.  Goff was only 14 when this house was built.

 

The wood paneled walls are not characteristic of Goff, but look good here! The generous width of the front door is a design consideration which re-emerges in later work.

 

The unusual fireplace design is composed of then-readily available brick.

 

The window sash seen here (living and dining rooms) reflect a Craftsman influence and were likely specified from a catalog.

 

The recently renovated kitchen is sympathetic to the overall character of the house.

 

Original casement sash convey a strong Prairie aesthetic.

 

The flat roof provides additional outdoor space.

 

 

1919:  1732 S. Yorktown Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

An unusually generous sense of scale characterizes the front porch of this house, built when Goff was 15.

 

 

The glazed room is a later addition; the broad steps leading to the porch are atypical of the period.

 

 

The rear of the house appears to be fairly conventional.

 

 

The living room is distinguished by a single ceiling coffer. One of the massive porch supports is visible from the window. Note that the wood flooring is directionally organized around the hearth at lower left.

 

 

1925:  1712 S. Madison Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

A return to the Prairie influence! The ornamented fascias are especially intriguing.

 

Unusually massive piers support short, squat and boxy columns.

 

The front door, characteristic of the Prairie style, appears to be a bit wider than what is normal for a house of this size.

 

The fireplace mantel displays a form of entasis (intentional distortion of a column for aesthetic purposes) reflecting Goff’s on-the-job (Rush, Endacott and Rush) familiarity with the classical orders. The marble surround is seen in some of his later houses.  Goff was 21 when he designed this house.

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