The so called Model B1 is one of six houses built in Burnham street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, between 1915 and 1917 when
Frank Lloyd Wright designed a series of standardized "system-built" homes,
known today as American System-Built Homes
and was a system of low-cost housing.
The Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block, Inc., and Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Association purchased
the six houses of the Burnham street block, that in the course of the decades had been severely
altered having as a goal to restore them giving back their initial aspect.
The first to be restored was the B1 Model, but not having any original specification of Wright,
the Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin asked the collaboration of the
Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning,
Institute of Preservation of Historical Buildings,
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
So, careful investigations about the original materials and the finishes were carried out for
providing new specification for a restoration of the surfaces during a 3 months
workshop to which participated 6 student of the Faculty.
Today, after a very accurate and respectful restoration, the house is visited by tourists and, the most important,
is subject of study for groups of students interested in deepening their knowledge
about one of the most important architects of the 20th century.
Below a selection of slides from the presentation during
the 100 years Anniversary Event
