"A building appears as the landscape. The hard and fast lines between inside and outside disappear." Frank Lloyd Wright

The heating coil system running as a continuous network through the concrete floor, provides heat to the home by circulating water heated by an oil- or gas-fired furnace. Relay transformers provide radiant heat control. As the water temperature raises, the concrete absorbs heat, which in turn is radiated to the living spaces above.

The floor is not cold to the touch, nor are drafts associated with conventional forced air systems felt. Likewise, dust is not drawn into vents to be circulated throughout the home. This type of heating system is truly an environmental adjustment and follows within Frank Lloyd Wright's principles of organic architecture.

Although unique qualities of SAMARA can be measured in many ways, one virtue is certainly realized in its floor plan. Knowing that Dr. and Mrs. Christian were both educators and entertainers of university faculty and student body, Mr. Wright incorporated a seating arrangement in the living room area to accommodate larger numbers of guests by providing a step-seating band along and around the living room floor.

When we consider that guests are never cold when sitting on the floor and that the large glass panels do not fog or sweat because of temperature differences between inside and outside during winter months, we can understand the wisdom, efficiency and innovative nature of radiant floor heating.

SAMARA, unlike other Usonian homes, have two unique features. One is that the coiled heating system under the floor is made of copper and not wrought iron pipe as called for in Mr. Wright's plans. Also, the pipe coil is narrowed to 3" adjacent to the full length, floor to ceiling, windows located in the living and master and guest bed rooms.

This delivery system provides a heating gradient that prevents window fogging to occur. Unlike in other Usonian homes, the SAMARA plans called for this tighter arrangement of coiled heating pipes around the periphery areas of the house - a true innovation and advancement compared to Wright's other homes of the same style.

Overview of Construction Innovations
[ Nature of Materials ]   [ Building on a Unit ]   [ The Owner's View ]   [ Building the Wright Way ]
[ Historic Perspectives ]   [ Manipulating the Space ]   [ Oriental Influence ]