Debbie Stone from Luxe Beat Magazine visit Kentuck Knob and the other two Frank Lloyd Wright sites in the Laurel Highlands. Read more to see her impression on the organic architecture of the region:
"Kentuck Knob is known for its outstanding architecture, as well as its complexity," says Stone.
Stone describes the perfect road trip to the Laurel Highlands for architecture fans, with three sites within driving distance. Wright-designed sites that are open to the public are spread across the country, focused in the Midwest, California, New England, and Pennsylvania. Fallingwater, a seven mile drive from Kentuck Knob, being Wright's most well-known masterpiece in Mill Run. The article also explore the two Frank Lloyd Wright houses at Polymath Park.
Stone notes that Kentuck Knob is almost 20 years after Fallingwater, designed by Wright at 86 years old. "It offers a grand interpretation of Wright's Usonian details, while its scenic location is an added plus," Stone explains about the style of Kentuck Knob. The peculiar formation of two overlapping parallelograms that forms the grid of the house, emphasizing the complexity and difficulty of the construction process.
Similar to other Usonian-style Wright designs, Kentuck Knob utilizes natural materials with copper, tidewater red cypress, and Allegheny sandstone. An increased size and more customizations from other Usonians, Stone added, "the three bedroom, two bathroom dwelling was cozy, but the view from the windows was expansive. I could see the Youghiogheny Gorge Overlook and all the magnificent trees surrounding the house from its dramatic mountaintop location."
After learning the story of Wright and the Hagans, Debbie Stone enjoyed the Woodland Walk Sculpture Garden. The collection includes two Andy Goldsworthy pieces, a few by Anthony Caro, and kinetic pieces by Harry Bertoia and George Rickey and more.
The Laurel Highlands is a wonderful road trip for architecture fans. Wright's architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob (our favorite), and a collection of Usonians at Polymath Park.
