The ”Circular Sun House” in Phoenix, Arizona was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was his final architectural design. It is also known as the Norman Lykes House and it just hit the market.
The Circular Sun House feels like such a departure from Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature Prairie Style of design. If a person randomly came across this house, they probably would never guess it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
But this house was built in 1967 – almost a decade after he had died – so clearly, the master himself was influenced by the mid-century vibe that took hold during that period, even at the very end of his life.
The other great influence of this house is its natural surroundings – it was designed to blend in with the curves and colors of the surrounding high desert mountain landscape.
This was the last home designed by Wright and one of only 14 circular homes that he designed – which seems like a lot, but when you consider he created over 1,000 structures in his lifetime, the circular homes are only a small fraction of his repertoire.
Overlapping concentric circles create a flowing, open floor plan with every room featuring stunning views of Palm Canyon and the city below.
Located on over 1.3 acres on the edge of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom abode features 3,200 square feet of living space.
The Circular Sun House was actually constructed from concrete blocks meant to resemble the surrounding boulders.
Another neat design feature appropriate for its scorching desert locale: most of the home’s windows avoid direct sunlight, yet the interior is filled with light.
According to the listing, the interior features Philippine mahogany handcrafted throughout and comes with all the mid-century modern furnishings that you see in the photos.
It’s fun, it’s modern, and it is such a departure for Frank Lloyd Wright from the rich Prairie-style interiors and linear Japanese art influences!
On the other hand, Wright was known for bringing the outside in with ample windows, so maybe this place is not such a departure for FLW after all.
And hey, we all evolve in our later years!
There is a lot of storage space throughout this house, and all the built-ins you see are original.
They’ve got a fabulous little FLW tribute library going on in this room.
The kitchen is – no surprise – circular.
The kitchen is so circular, it can make you a little dizzy!
Carrying on into the long (circular) hallways, there is tremendous storage space with all that cabinetry.
The bedrooms are light-filled and spacious.
The massive ensuite bathroom is, well, as you can see, circular.
The home has a couple of bonus den/office rooms as well.
Even the lower-level bedroom is filled with light.
Although not pictured, there is a narrow spiral staircase leading up to an office.
The second-story office feels a bit like a Star Trek command center!
The best thing about the Circular Sun House is how the interior not only showcases but mirrors the natural desert landscape that surrounds it.
The entertaining spaces spill outside to the sprawling curved patio.
The crescent-shaped pool is actually lined with mother-of-pearl!
This architectural gem is a happy ending to the storied career (and sometimes turbulent life) of the American master designer Frank Lloyd Wright.
Oh, and by the way, it is currently listed for sale for $8,950,000!
Sources:
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/6836-N-36th-St_Phoenix_AZ_85018_M19456-23297
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Norman Lykes House is available for Rent or Sale at 8.9M
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