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Prairie Architects, Inc. |
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Wingspread Conference Center Racine, Wisconsin |
Concrete Flatwork -- Integrally colored red concrete floors with in-floor radiant heat were one of Wright's signatures. At Wingspread the resulting floor was both utilitarian and decorative, but was fraught with problems, not the least of which were hot and cold spots. The radiant heating system had failed and was replaced with a more conventional system. Exterior concrete systems were painted to better integrate their appearance with the interior slab color scheme. Millwork -- Rift sawn white oak veneered siding was used extensively throughout the interior of Wingspread, along with white oak trim, inside surfaces of most doors and windows, and an ornamental dentil molding. In some locations, most notably, in the Living Room, large panels were attached with metal hooks to allow for expansion and contraction of the underlying structure. The woodwork had a minimal sealer and was then waxed. This paneling was generally in very good condition, with the exception that subsequent refinishing in some areas was too dark. Thermal and Moisture Protection Systems -- Wright specified that the walls and roofs were to be insulated. These then experimental materials (sprayed into place cellulose, and possibly cork panels) are elements of historic significance. We speculate that the relatively poor thermal performance of the perimeter walls may actually have protected masonry materials from more extension damage by sacrificing heat to dry out the poorly detailed construction. This has apparently also protected the wall construction from rising damp and extreme relative humidity concerns. No provision was made to ventilate the roof construction, however the thermal performance of the clay tile roof seems to obviate additional venting. We recommended that Wingspread never be left with adequate heat, especially in autumn and winter months. In addition we have recommended and outlined a program of monitoring relative humidity. Doors, Windows & Glazing -- Wright gave enormous attention to door and window materials, and arrangement of doors and windows to maximize ventilation and light, to avoid suspending masonry over door or window openings, and to elevation fenestration. Single glazed windows may be double glazed for increased energy efficiency, but original windows should be retained. This report listed maintenance, repair, reconfiguration and restoration to be accomplished for Wingspread's windows and doors. The Crow's Nest windows needed to be removed during the 1995 repairs. This report outlined cautions to be observed. Ornamental Metals -- Wright raised even the practice of using metals to a high visual art, with ornamental trellis support columns, fireplace andiron grills, spiral staircase, and fireplace utensils and kettle. Finish colors of these ornamental items may have changed from the original, but analysis of samples will be required to determine whether this is so. Floor Finish Systems -- Wright specified a variety of utilitarian but elegant floor finishes. 'Linotile' laminated wood flooring installed on the Mezzanine level had suffered some staining and incipient rot at some exterior door locations. The original bathroom rubber floor tiles, presently 12" square, may originally have been the same 16" square tiles used at the Johnson Wax Administration Building. Wright intended to install carpeting over the concrete floors of much of the house. Reconstruction of original carpeting in specified areas was recommended. Interior Wall Finishes -- Like the exterior plaster, the interior plaster bears a Caen stone finish. Care should be taken to assure that replacement patches duplicate the original in composition, aggregate size, and method of finish application, using the models provided by undisturbed original plaster, such as at the south closet at the Living Room. Walls were painted originally with a layered wax glaze system, golden yellow in samples, with one or two tinted wax glazes added. The original color scheme and texture was a highly significant element of Wingspread and we recommended that it be restored in many rooms. Brick surfaces were waxed throughout the house, which would have enriched the colors of the brick. Remnants of this wax remain along with various wax stains from the floors and can be cleaned and reapplied. Central Heating/Cooling System -- The existing forced air heating and cooling system was the least intrusive, practical system available for Wingspread. Although this report recommended replacement of many components, we did not recommend installation of a different kind of system. Indoor air quality was unknown and should be monitored. The humidification systems were problematic but necessary. Further study will be required to determine the best solution. Air handler upgrades were recommended for long term planning. Radiant panels in ceilings were a possibility for improved heating in the Living Room and in the Terrace Room in light of projected disturbance of finishes in 1995. If work was to be done at north and east end of the Terrace Room, we recommended evaluation of the feasibility of relocating HVAC system from non-historic bench to waterproof underground installation. Electrical System -- The original wiring at Wingspread had an insulation type that become brittle and deteriorated with time. Wiring type and connections were outdated and undersized. It was recommended that rewiring of the building be completed, especially in areas scheduled for construction in 1995. Non-original, non-functioning, non-necessary detectors, security systems, and other electrical units were be removed. In addition, visually intrusive exterior electrical and telephone lines were hidden. Plumbing System -- The present water and sewer systems appeared to be in good operating condition generally. |
Interior Conditions and Recommendations Page 1 |
Prairie Architects, Inc. -- 103 South Third Street -- Fairfield, Iowa 52556 |