An Example Of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usoian Architecture - Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob, located in the scenic Laurel Highlands of western Pennsylvania, is a striking example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian architecture. Designed in 1954 for Isaac and Bernardine Hagan, founders of the Hagan Ice Cream Company in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the house exemplifies Wright’s vision for modest yet artfully integrated living spaces.

Usonian homes were typically small, single-story dwellings, characterized by their organic relationship with the landscape, use of natural materials, and omission of unnecessary (according to Wright) features—such as garages—to focus on simplicity and efficiency.

The Hagans were friends of the Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, owners of the iconic Fallingwater, another masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright located nearby. Having spent considerable time at Fallingwater, the Hagans were deeply impressed by Wright’s architectural vision. Inspired by their experience, they decided they too wanted a Wright-designed home—a decision that led to this creation just a few miles away. Wright’s crescent-shaped Usonian house design was built into the side of a hill and constructed using native sandstone, Tidewater Red Cypress, and a copper hipped roof.

After living in the house for over thirty years, the Hagans sold Kentucky Nob to British property developer and art collector Peter Palumbo of London in 1986. He remains the current owner and operator of the house museum, which features an extensive collection of sculptures and art installations. The Palumbo family is deeply committed to preserving the residence and maintains an active public tour program.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The beautiful grounds including woodlands.

A section of the Berlin Wall on display on the grounds.

In addition to the house, the grounds feature 30 pieces of sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy, Anthony Caro, and Claes Oldenburg to name a few.

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A boulder cairn art installation along the Woodland Walking Trail.

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Inside the carport area

The outdoor lighting designed by Wright.

Entering the entrance court you see the carports. Wright designed homes without a garage – he believed garages simply invited clutter.

Construction materials included sandstone which was quarried on-site, Tidewater Cypress wood, and copper for the roof.

The red square signature tile found near the front entrance.

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The home’s main entrance

The main living area with built-ins, stone floor and wood ceiling.

A side view of the huge main living area fireplace.

The dining area with a configurable table designed by Wright.

The distinctive honeycomb-shaped skylights in the red cypress overhang above the rear porch.

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Sunlight coming through the honeycomb-shaped skylights on the rear porch, which is accessed through a series of French doors.

Windows and stone

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The path from the house to the beautiful view.

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Standing on a hill beside the house, you can look out over the roof and take in the entrance court.

The view from the rear of the house with its sandstone walls and cantilevered roof over the wrap-around porch.

A great believer in the beauty of natural materials, Wright combined the native sandstone with tide water red cypress to create a chorus of color and texture that replicates the surrounding landscape.

What you should know:

• Kentuck Nob is just 7 miles southwest of Fallingwater.

• Restrooms are available at the Visitors Center.

• Interior photography is prohibited, but you can take pictures through the windows.

• There is ample free parking.

• Admission can be purchased by phone (724-329-1901), on line or in person.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation.

• There is a shuttle from the visitor center to the house for the tour.

• Guided house tours are generally about an hour.

• You can explore the grounds and trails at your own pace after the house tour.

• There is a cafe at the visitor center.

• People are friendly and informative.

Location: 723 Kentuck Road, Chalk Hill, PA 15421

For more information: Kentuck Knob

If you are interested in other Wright designs, here are some I have visited. The Martin House, Graycliff and Fallingwater.

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