Hanna–Honeycomb House

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The Hanna–Honeycomb House, also known as the Hanna House, is a significant architectural work designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Located on the campus of Stanford University in Stanford, California, the house was commissioned by Paul R. Hanna and Jean Hanna, who were both educators and advocates of progressive education.

Design and Architecture

The Hanna–Honeycomb House is a prime example of Wright's Usonian architecture, a term he used to describe his vision for affordable, functional, and beautiful homes for the American middle class. The house is particularly notable for its innovative use of the hexagonal grid, which Wright referred to as "honeycomb". This design choice is evident in the house's floor plan, which eschews right angles in favor of 120-degree angles, creating a unique and organic flow of space.

The hexagonal module is repeated throughout the house, influencing the layout of rooms, the design of built-in furniture, and even the pattern of the concrete floor. This geometric approach not only provides aesthetic harmony but also integrates the house with its natural surroundings, a hallmark of Wright's architectural philosophy.

Historical Context

The Hanna–Honeycomb House was constructed between 1937 and 1939, during a period when Wright was exploring new architectural ideas that would later be fully realized in his Usonian homes. The house was one of the first to embody these principles, which included open floor plans, the use of natural materials, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Significance

The Hanna House is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture and a pivotal work in Wright's career. It represents a shift from his earlier Prairie School designs to a more experimental and democratic form of architecture. The house's innovative design and construction techniques have been studied extensively by architects and scholars.

In 1989, the Hanna House was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its importance in the history of American architecture.

Preservation and Current Use

The house suffered significant damage during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, but it has since been restored. Today, it is owned by Stanford University and is used for educational purposes, including tours and lectures that highlight its architectural significance and Wright's design philosophy.

Also see

• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Usonian
• Prairie School
• National Historic Landmark
• Loma Prieta earthquake