A contemporary lakehouse, influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian concept.
Log Tavern Pond House: A Modern Usonian Masterpiece in Pennsylvania
Nestled on 1.82 acres of rural land near the picturesque Poconos, Milford, Pennsylvania, the Log Tavern Pond House stands as a testament to modern architecture that pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian principles.
Designed by Specht Novak Architects, this contemporary home exemplifies the essence of Usonian design with its long, low horizontal lines, integration with the natural landscape, large glass walls, and the use of natural materials like charred wood siding and stucco. The house spans 3,356 square feet, maintaining the modest scale and thoughtful spatial use characteristic of Usonian homes.
The charred shou sugi ban wood siding, a smart, sustainable choice, not only brings visual drama but also offers practical benefits. It helps the house blend beautifully with its natural setting and provides durability, protection from rot, insects, and harsh weather. The deep, rich color and texture of the charred wood give the house a striking, modern feel.
The Log Tavern Pond House boasts a unique dual personality. The street side presents a private and welcoming entry, while the lakeside side opens up with huge floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering breathtaking views of the water. An outdoor spa on the second level terrace adds to the serenity of the lakeside setting.
The design aims to create an "architectural threshold" between the public world and natural serenity. Schoenagel & Schoenagel handled the structural work, Joybeck Custom Builders made it real, and Chris Cooper captured its beauty in photographs.
The house was built on what used to be a summer camp that closed in the early 1960s. Today, it stands as a modern embodiment of Usonian principles, respecting Wright’s ideas about modest scale, harmony with nature, open plans, and natural materials.
[1] Specht Novak Architects. (n.d.). Log Tavern Pond House. Retrieved from https://www.spechtnovak.com/projects/log-tavern-pond-house
[3] Joybeck Custom Builders. (n.d.). Log Tavern Pond House. Retrieved from https://www.joybeckbuilders.com/projects/log-tavern-pond-house
[4] Cooper, C. (n.d.). Log Tavern Pond House. Retrieved from https://chriscooperphotography.com/log-tavern-pond-house/
[5] Wright, F. L. (2007). Usonian homes: A Frank Lloyd Wright sourcebook. University of Chicago Press.
- The Log Tavern Pond House, a modern Usonian masterpiece, designed by Specht Novak Architects, showcases the fusion of interior-design elements and lifestyle preferences, mirroring the home-and-garden ethos in its smart use of materials and harmony with nature.
- This contemporary home, exposed through the lens of Chris Cooper's photography, is not just a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian principles, but also a significant event in the field of interior-design, highlighting the integration of architectural design, architecture, and lifestyle.
