The Prairie Style: Emulating an Iconic Architectural Style in Modern Home Exteriors

Origins of an Iconic Style

The Prairie Style is one of the most iconic forms of architecture – the brainchild of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the New School of the Middle West, it redefined architectural ideology, leaving an impact that can still be felt today. The Prairie Style, which for many evokes images of residences such as Fallingwater, Taliesin and the Frederick C Robie House, emerged after the great Chicago fire of 1871, when the devastation wreaked across the city created new opportunities for young, emerging architects.  

Widely recognized as the first “true” style of American architecture, the Prairie Style ushered in a bold modern approach to residential design. Its emergence was a significant diversion from the European-style architecture in vogue at the time, which was characterized by the sophisticated, albeit stuffy Victorian buildings that dotted urban and rural landscapes.  

The basic foundation of Prairie Style is the concept that a building should function for its dwellers without being too elaborate or decorated. The style places emphasis on organic architecture, wherein spaces should be well suited within their natural environment and act as a product of their place, purpose and time. To do so, Prairie Style buildings embody biophilic design, wherein built structures evoke naturally occurring forms, and showcase the influence of the surrounding landscape. 

Prairie Style Characteristics 

Horizontal Lines

Prairie style surfaces are positioned in horizontal configurations, which at the time of origin, contrasted existing styles such as art deco, where surfaces pointed upwards. Most Prairie Style homes feature long, narrow wood and brick materials to create this horizontal focus. 

Natural Materials

Simple, natural woodwork is emphasized, which allows natural elements to shine in their purest form. Exteriors are typically constructed with brick or stucco. 

Handmade Craftsmanship 

Focus is on hand-wrought woodwork and art glass, which shifted away from the mass-produced styles commonplace in the early 1900s. Much of the movement was marked by finely tuned individually crafted pieces. 

Open Interior Spaces

The influence of the natural landscape is easily witnessed throughout home interiors. The interior spaces in Prairie Style buildings are intended to be functional, flowing and open. Residential buildings were typically marked by an open concept first floor and asymmetrical floor plans where form follows function. 

Prairie Style Icons 

B Harley Bradley House

 

Fallingwater House

 

Darwin D. Martin House

 

A Continued Trend 

While the Prairie Style era unofficially ended in 1915, the style’s influence can be witnessed in contemporary architecture across North America and up into the Pacific Northwest. 

If you’re a developer exploring new designs for a project or a homeowner looking at personal renovations, there are a number of materials you can incorporate in your build to evoke the Prairie Style. 

At Pacific Art Stone, we recently launched a new profile, linear brick. A part of our Altera Collection, linear brick is a long horizontal natural stone with a tumbled texture, designed to be grouted to emulate the low brick appearance of Prairie Style homes. Available in multiple shades ranging from light grey to charcoal, Linear Brick adds a West Coast flair to an iconic architectural style. 

Explore the Linear Brick Collection

Contact Us Today 

The linear brick collection is one of many exciting options available at Pacific Art Stone. To learn more about how we can help you craft the perfect home exterior, book an initial consultation today.  

Pacific Art Stone is a trusted masonry stone supplier providing a range of high-quality natural and manufactured stone veneer options for your next construction project or renovation. Visit our design center or online inspiration gallery for more information, or visit our showroom at 8585 123 Street, Surrey, BC.