One of the hallmarks of a Usonian home it its ease of maintenance. Wright used a combination of materials to achieve structures that were both aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain. At Samara, copper and wood work together to create something that is both beautiful and lasting. Wood is inherently beautiful, but doesn't age particularly well when exposed to the elements, while copper's beauty increases with age. Wright skillfully combined the two materials in several places at SAMARA.
The first example is using the copper fascia on the roofline. Prior to the installation of the copper fascia, the wood on the roofline held up surprisingly well with only an application of polyurethane (a recent synthetic advance at the time) every other year. However, the copper cladding, and the design of the fascia, with ornaments covering the seams, should ensure that the underlying wood will remain sound for years to come.