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Inside One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Final-Ever Designs | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

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  • Published on May 15, 2025
  • Today AD travels to Connecticut to tour Tirranna, one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final designs. Considered one of the greatest architects of all time, Frank Lloyd Wright produced over 1000 designs in a career spanning 70 years, revolutionizing architecture in the United States. A pioneer of organic architecture, Wright believed any building should exist in harmony with its inhabitants and surroundings-a concept that runs through the veins of Tirranna. Join Stuart Graff, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, as he walks you through one of the final designs of Wright’s career.
    Archival Photos:The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives (The Museum of Modern Art | Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Columbia University, New York) All rights reserved.
    Additional Drone Cinematography:Udor Photography, DBA ; Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie, Coldwell Banker listing agents
    Director: Skylar Economy
    Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
    Editor: Tristen Rogers
    Talent: Stuart Graff
    Producer: Joel Ahumada
    Associate Producer: Chloe Leung, Brandon Fuhr, Pita Taing
    Production Manager: Melissa Heber
    Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
    Camera Operator: Lauren Pruitt
    Drone Operator: Ian Dudley
    Sound Mixer: Jeff Gaumer
    Production Assistant: Shahid Barraza
    Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
    Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
    Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow
    Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
    Additional Drone Cinematography: Udor Photography, DBA
    Marsha Charles and Albert Safdie, Coldwell Banker listing agents
    Special Thanks: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
    Want even more AD? Subscribe to the magazine and get a free tote ►► bit.ly/3Oh8McU
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    ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
    The leading international design authority, Architectural Digest features articles and videos of the best in architecture, style, culture, travel, and shopping.

Comments •

  • @NilkkiNikke
    @NilkkiNikke Year ago +829

    I like how warm that house feels, a nap in there during the rain must be something else.

    • @deleteddata6671
      @deleteddata6671 Year ago +6

      Warm? It’s dark and cold. All Wrights houses are.

    • @outofthefoxootf979
      @outofthefoxootf979 Year ago +26

      @@deleteddata6671 Even one of the most renowned architects to ever grace the earth can't please everybody.

    • @greer545
      @greer545 Year ago +1

      It's single glazed with no drapes.
      It looks freezing. If a house can't keep you warm it has failed its primary function

    • @deleteddata6671
      @deleteddata6671 Year ago +1

      @@outofthefoxootf979 the most renowned; hath “graced the earth” bestowing warmth on urbanites and troglodytes alike 🤩

    • @luks303
      @luks303 11 months ago +5

      ​@@outofthefoxootf979 and its specially difficult to please pretentious armchair critics like the one above

  • @sangambora8655
    @sangambora8655 Year ago +373

    AD doing a favor to humanity by covering these Frank Lloyd Wright gems, hopefully there's more of these videos to come

  • @luxelist
    @luxelist Year ago +621

    I have a deep admiration for Frank Lloyd-Wright's philosophy. This house took my breath away, it blends in with the nature surrounding it so seamlessly. This video was such a soothing watch.

    • @melodyelson3202
      @melodyelson3202 11 months ago +3

      Thank you for your shared thoughts. I found this video so calming this morning of an amazing space .. one winders what it must have been living there

    • @ALLrobotsAreSad
      @ALLrobotsAreSad 4 months ago

      Except the bedrooms. Seems like a stuffy 1970s closet.

  • @ToMakeWhatLifesAbout
    @ToMakeWhatLifesAbout Year ago +253

    When you look at the distant shots of the house, looking across the water, you can see that Wright perfectly matched the color of the concrete blocks to the color of the surrounding boulders, which is one of the primary mechanisms for integrating the house to the land, to give you the feeling that the house is growing up out of the ground.

  • @imcrankyy
    @imcrankyy Year ago +617

    Would love a video like this for each one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses!!

  • @aptdccvii
    @aptdccvii 7 months ago +82

    this guy needs to be complimented too, his knowledge and way with words is impressive and you can tell he really appreciates what hes seeing

  • @nervun8097
    @nervun8097 Year ago +78

    I love how time hasn't changed Wright's original idea of coexistence with nature but rather it has made this connection stronger by helping the building "settle in" the surrounding environment and become one with it.

  • @614x2
    @614x2 Month ago +4

    FLW was such a huge influence on me in becoming an architect; now for 27 years. I'm fortunate enough to be close to many of his homes. When I visit Falling Water, I'm in total peace and harmony. It's a majestic place.

  • @reggieongoogle3583
    @reggieongoogle3583 Year ago +2561

    Can we have LESS celebrity OpenDoors episodes, and MORE of this?

  • @woj3pl668
    @woj3pl668 Year ago +64

    One of the most beautiful houses I've ever seen. Perfectly organic and inviting.

  • @shaggybreeks
    @shaggybreeks Year ago +42

    WOW! I've been a fan of Wright for decades and never knew about this house. It's beautiful beyond words. OMG!

  • @mikeyc4525
    @mikeyc4525 Month ago +2

    I've always Loved and have been fascinated by Wright's Architecture. What an Honor and privilege to be able to be one of his Masterpiece caretakers.

  • @bdadamovicz
    @bdadamovicz Year ago +51

    It's curious how structural design elements were brought up so often when this is one of Wright's biggest weaknesses and a leading reason why so many of his building were demolished or in need of massive repair. Granted by this point in time much of the engineering aspect was likely done by other people within his agency after learning his earlier mistakes. At this point in time in the US architecture and engineering were largely learned at a company and not a university. University education in engineering was largely a product of the space race.
    Still as a designer there are few that compare to the beauty of many of his designs. Prairie School and American Arts and Crafts design is in my opinion some of the premier architectural design ever.

  • @angelapleasants8285
    @angelapleasants8285 Year ago +120

    His architecture was ahead of its time and very well-made. ❤

    • @SpockvsMcCoy
      @SpockvsMcCoy Year ago +12

      Wright used high quality materials... however some of his houses and buildings have leaky roofs and structural problems (cantilevered designs).

    • @007diego2
      @007diego2 11 months ago +2

      @@SpockvsMcCoy I think I get it, an artist like Mr. Wright might’ve leaned towards his artistic disposition, sometimes a little too much, when he should’ve been listening to his engineering mind…What a problem to have, though.

  • @vinceburden4395
    @vinceburden4395 Year ago +25

    An architecture that impacts the natural setting of the place is like a falling leaf in an uninterrupted ground but at the same time has a lot of impact on how humans live alongside the environment. I really admire Wright's philosophy to his architecture.

  • @PARoth2011
    @PARoth2011 Year ago +66

    Riveting and spiritually soothing and I finally understand the “why” of small bedrooms and narrow hallways opening into large, open living spaces. It’s breathtaking how the land and water perfectly frame this exquisite house…just wow.

  • @floridaproductions
    @floridaproductions Year ago +156

    What a fantastic narration of this property.Just a wonderful,special property.Thank you very much !

  • @jokerace8227
    @jokerace8227 Year ago +41

    Even compared to his other designs, this place is quite the masterpiece.

  • @ericmoore571
    @ericmoore571 Year ago +18

    Usually i prefer large English country houses, but this is so peaceful and serene. I love everything about it.

  • @CC2GO
    @CC2GO Month ago +2

    Not sure what is more beautiful, the house or the incredible setting around it.

  • @michaelnicola5210
    @michaelnicola5210 Year ago +8

    This is so much more than a house, it would be a shame to not think more of it as a repository of feelings in nature, immersive and alive. Not all such places visually thrive in winter, this embraces it and because of the materials allows it, encourages it to invite you in. Cool concrete when it is hot, warm Philippine mahogany when it is cold, creating multiple environments to inhabit. Thank you so much, AD for producing this with such respect and awe.

  • @Brian-yf7uf
    @Brian-yf7uf Year ago +6

    That long passageway with the glass panels reminds me of the house in "Ozarks". Love that house

  • @malunachow
    @malunachow Year ago +15

    Despite different space needs, including the height of the rooms, the whole thing enchanted me, and the story about this "place to live"/"place in life" is very beautiful and valuable. So calming, beautiful, and holistic.

  • @misszsazsa6288
    @misszsazsa6288 Day ago

    I first saw pictures of Frank Lloyd Wright's jomrs when I was a teenager in high school back in the early 1970s. I'm now 69 and still find them as stunningly beautiful!

  • @opusnone1
    @opusnone1 Year ago +18

    What a perfect blend of architecture and nature

  • @mallurypollard7815
    @mallurypollard7815 11 months ago +25

    Juxtaposition: every architects and architecture enthusiasts favorite word.

  • @paranoidhumanoid
    @paranoidhumanoid 5 months ago +4

    The replacement for downspouts 10:55 was inspired by rain-chains (kusari-doi) which are used in Japanese multi-level pagodas, shrines, and temples as well as homes.

  • @MariposasSol
    @MariposasSol Year ago +61

    To be surrounded by nature is to be surrounded by peace.

  • @steventheo69
    @steventheo69 Year ago +4

    For a very long time, I have admired the architecture of FLW, with Falling Water being my favorite. This house just became my new favorite. I love everything about it. Thanks for sharing!!!

  • @Dolsie-tv6mh
    @Dolsie-tv6mh 2 months ago +1

    The environment, his backyard, sides, is so gorgeous.

  • @KmSnox
    @KmSnox Year ago +7

    Thank you for creating this very "Zen" video - beautiful, intentional, quiet, enlightening. Will definitely watch more than once!

  • @Cre-Art
    @Cre-Art Year ago +7

    Beauty, comfort, appreciation for the materials and for natural landscape elements. Perfection.

  • @MichaelKomlo
    @MichaelKomlo 3 months ago

    So incredible , a true organic beauty of architecture. There was no one like Frank Lloyd Wright,
    I’m in awe of his design and artistry. Love the landscape and river and the way the house just belongs there.

  • @marklerfald
    @marklerfald Year ago +2

    Thank you AD. My heart was racing as Mr. Graff toured us through the property and explained Wright’s signature elements. This video is a treasure and a wonderful homage to FLW.

  • @TheMattsterling
    @TheMattsterling Year ago +25

    Thank you for sharing this awe inspiring structure. I am a huge fan of FLW and this is just a feast for the eyes.

  • @Nicksonian
    @Nicksonian 4 months ago +2

    “There is so much bland architecture…” Amen. Modern builders create collections of big boxes hobbled together and with fancy finishes glued on and call them beautiful. As if a Big Mac could ever be considered beautiful…or healthy. Wright’s houses are the closest thing, outside of nature itself, to provide a mystical, wonderous feeling. I have only ever stood in Falling Water, but even seeing these remarkable creations on TV still fills me with awe.

  • @savusilviu
    @savusilviu 10 months ago +3

    I like the Bloomberg keyboard on the desk. Gives away the owners profession

  • @sleepykat9
    @sleepykat9 Year ago +4

    I'm reading Ayn Rand's Fountain head, who her main character is based off of Frank Lloyd Wright. I now have a deeper appreciation for the book along with quintessential architect. ❤

  • @gonippon
    @gonippon Year ago +21

    This reminds me of Japanese garden very much. I posted videos in my channel about it.
    The chain that rain is falling along it can be seen in temples in Japan very often.
    It is incredible design and felt the respect of the nature.

  • @theshypersistence
    @theshypersistence Year ago +5

    Beautifully presented! Poetic and reverent just like the house itself 🍂

  • @anitahamlin2411
    @anitahamlin2411 Year ago +23

    I had never seen this one. The architecture really shows who designed it.

  • @marciayoung8735
    @marciayoung8735 11 months ago +6

    This house deserves to be lived in and enjoyed.

  • @rollinwithunclepete824

    I never knew of Tirranna. I love Falling Waters but it seems more fantasy... difficult to live in. Tirranna looks like so comfortable... single panned glass aside ;)

  • @r.k.2823
    @r.k.2823 Year ago +6

    That incredible structure is like a beautiful sonnet by the way it tells a story.

  • @melissahyatt9626
    @melissahyatt9626 Year ago +1

    I’m so in awe of this. Such peace and serenity.

  • @MikeKobb
    @MikeKobb Year ago +4

    Beautiful place. The landscape architecture is exquisite as well.

  • @julie9159
    @julie9159 Year ago +3

    Whatever is going on in your life, that may be troubling, causing you sadness or sorrow. Watch this. The gentle pace, music, and narration, all wrapped around, the sheer beauty of the building and its setting, will just, if even for a short time, melt troubles away.....

  • @vivnoname
    @vivnoname 4 months ago

    What a beautiful setting, the house is such a warm addition to the natural surrounds. Love it.

  • @dre9814
    @dre9814 Year ago +17

    Currently for sale in New Canaan (CT) for $7 million... has been on the market about 8-months but appears to be pending sale.

  • @manju331
    @manju331 2 months ago

    Thank you for bringing us this jewel. It is now one of my favorite FLW’s homes.

  • @jaybirdsf
    @jaybirdsf Year ago +15

    Beautiful video, insightful narrative, thoroughly informative-- and a FLW house with which I was completely unfamiliar. Bravi, tutti!

  • @thespectator1243
    @thespectator1243 Year ago +5

    I will probably never live in such a beautiful place.
    But it fills my hearth with joy, knowing it exists. :)
    I hope that - with new technologies such as 3D house printing emerging - in the future most houses will be similar in nature (no pun intended) as the ones designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
    As many people as possible should be able to live in such homes. :)

  • @SpockvsMcCoy
    @SpockvsMcCoy Year ago +1

    I love how skylights and both the transom and clerestory windows break up the mass of this house.

  • @donjuan150
    @donjuan150 Year ago +5

    Wonderfully narrated and educational video of a masterpiece.....I have never heard of!!

  • @SuAndFox
    @SuAndFox 10 months ago

    Oh, I'm so loving these videos of FLW's masterpieces. Thank you!
    Thinking about those narrow hallways - they play also on the experience FLW liked to create. The sense of taking a journey through compressed spaces to open light filled spaces, reconnecting with the outside again. Whereas the hallways surrounding the courtyard allow us to feel almost connected to that outside space while still sheltered within. And the low chairs allow for a different view of the outside than you have sitting on a bed or standing.

  • @zenos.5315
    @zenos.5315 Month ago

    Absolutely the most relaxing video I have ever watched, such a beautiful place

  • @jimmy7879
    @jimmy7879 Year ago +2

    Quite stunning, beautiful, serene. Thank you for creating and sharing this.

  • @piskac2781
    @piskac2781 Year ago +4

    Frank Lloyd Wright is Heaven on Earth! I am a retired architect living in a RAM Promaster City Van. I feel the 50 sq. ft. for my van interior has some of the charm of Wright's design in my van interior and it's relation to nature.

  • @melindafriesen
    @melindafriesen Year ago

    The beauty and peace! Seeing the pond makes me think of the phrase, as above, so below. You see the obscured image in the pond only to lift your gaze to the perfected structure above.

  • @pearpenguin
    @pearpenguin Year ago +28

    Ha, I thought he said "Toronto" and I didn't know Wright had a structure named Toronto. Locally many people here pronounce the city name exactly like this. Spelled Toronno or Toronna

  • @PeterEconomy
    @PeterEconomy Year ago +39

    Amazing house and Stuart Graff gave the best tour ever!

  • @stevenvarga
    @stevenvarga Year ago +6

    That greenhouse area is beautiful!

  • @Nicolaspurr
    @Nicolaspurr Year ago +22

    Such an interesting piece, beautifully narrated.

  • @maxinegann2885
    @maxinegann2885 Day ago

    Agree these historical videos are so much more interesting than the celebrity interior videos. They expand my brain whereas the interior shows become very boring!

  • @charleskimson2288
    @charleskimson2288 11 months ago

    I love all of the nature that you see both in and out! Stunning!

  • @LindaKing-nq6ut
    @LindaKing-nq6ut 5 months ago

    Great to see this FLW designed house..the setting is beautiful..having seen & toured several of his homes,the setting of this one stands out as does the position of the house in the natural setting….

  • @windowtrimmer8211
    @windowtrimmer8211 9 months ago

    Mr. Graff does a fine job of describing the exquisitely indescribable.

  • @joanneewerling5698
    @joanneewerling5698 9 months ago

    Thank you AD for show-casing this amazing creation. Well done!

  • @jeevaniv9692
    @jeevaniv9692 Year ago +2

    This house makes me emotional for some reason

  • @bcookmusic
    @bcookmusic Year ago +9

    Exquisite! Love his design here.. Enjoyed every second of this.. Great tour. Well done 👏👏

  • @badapple65
    @badapple65 13 days ago

    The Laurent house designed by FLW in Rockford IL a smaller version, has the same concave wall of windows facing West for the later in the day Sunshine to pour in. But an added cool feature, a cement pond goes the length of the concave wall outside only about 2-1/2 ft wide and 30ft long, heated, lit up, holds Japanese Coy fish.

  • @mjgreeneaudio
    @mjgreeneaudio Year ago +2

    Beautiful video and stunning architecture. Thank you for allowing us into this amazing space.

  • @danielduarte2139

    The most beautiful house I have ever seen. It is art! I want to see a video of each season of the year to see how the house changes with the environment.

  • @tonyallen2797
    @tonyallen2797 Year ago +11

    Simply astonishing.

  • @baba-vh7hb
    @baba-vh7hb Year ago +1

    grand master's Frank Lloyd Wright

  • @carboncrom9862
    @carboncrom9862 Year ago +1

    A friend of mine lived in one of Wright’s houses in Kenilworth, Illinois. I always wondered what those chains were for, now I know

  • @JoeNielsen44
    @JoeNielsen44 Year ago

    Absolutely beautiful and serene! Just watching this video stirred many emotions.

  • @josephinebrevig8748

    The filming itself is so soothing…a sensory experience ❤❤❤ Beautiful

  • @UniqueDesign-b2z
    @UniqueDesign-b2z 7 months ago

    Wow, this design makes me want to redecorate my whole living space! Great job!

  • @alisonamaryllis111
    @alisonamaryllis111 Year ago +2

    Lovely commentary articulating so much of what I think about how one might live. Thanks.

  • @blackie8306
    @blackie8306 Year ago +2

    Terrific and informative video. Simple and straightforward analysis of the ideas behind this design. Can you please do more videos with this narrator and in this visual style on other FLW's houses.

  • @zovalentine7305
    @zovalentine7305 Year ago +14

    Rest in peace 🙏
    Frank Lloyd Wright
    8 June 1867 ~
    9 April 1959⚘

  • @amitmahato3587
    @amitmahato3587 4 months ago

    Aaron Finch as the face of 4rabet just elevates everything his sports creds are just unmatched

  • @mi1stormilst
    @mi1stormilst Year ago +2

    This is an amazing property thank you for presenting it so effortlessly.

  • @brandonkatona7734
    @brandonkatona7734 Year ago +2

    Amazing, i'm in complete awe. Love FLW so much

  • @donndelfin1312
    @donndelfin1312 Year ago +2

    Philippine Mahogany is now very expensive here in the Philippines. and many people are now planting those trees because of its demand.

  • @edcomedian357
    @edcomedian357 Year ago +4

    Beautiful! I agree why isn't modern architecture one with nature?

  • @dfarmer4201
    @dfarmer4201 Year ago

    Genius. Beautifully filmed and presented. Thank you.

  • @TheDiaryofMarkG
    @TheDiaryofMarkG Year ago

    Nice job with this, AD. Beautifully done feature.

  • @cosimavonliebenau8317

    I feel such peace and pleasure watching this video

  • @zeusfloreus
    @zeusfloreus 8 months ago

    truly inspiring to see nature and architecture merge

  • @arizonaalchemy7572
    @arizonaalchemy7572 8 months ago

    LOVE F.L.W. Architecture ! The Usonian homes are my Favorites.

  • @rubberdc
    @rubberdc Year ago +4

    This is a beautiful building , and as i watched the film the haunting sound of the music and water just made my eyes glaze over . so soothing .

  • @donny2327
    @donny2327 7 months ago

    I just love this house.
    Thank you.

  • @claudebregaint
    @claudebregaint 6 months ago

    All house that s he build up were incredibke related with nature ,seems simplicity ,but mostly elegant ❤❤❤❤

  • @tmp1111
    @tmp1111 2 months ago

    Such a fantastic description thank you

  • @hailey_holmez
    @hailey_holmez Year ago +1

    I hope that someone who appreciates gardening can own this house next! Seeing all of these empty planters just makes me wonder if this is what he wanted his legacy to be. Expensive houses without the touches of love he intended

  • @peace4myheart
    @peace4myheart Year ago +5

    Beautiful. I wouldn't want to live there bc I don't want to ruin such a piece of art.

  • @EvasNan2020
    @EvasNan2020 Year ago

    I mean...just beautiful and so inspirational, thankyou x

  • @jdkingsley6543
    @jdkingsley6543 Year ago

    I absolutely love spaces like this.