53. Prairie Style

               53a. Prairie Style (Toronto)

                          53b. Prairie Style (Toronto)

    The Prairie Style was primarily designed by one of America's premier designers, Frank Lloyd Wright. He grew up in the United State's Mid-West and wanted a structure that harmonized with the 'wide, open spaces'.

What to look for (clues)

1. A largish, 1 or 2 story building, that squats in place due to the emphasis on the horizontal. The main portion is the highest with accompanying projecting wings. Symmetry is not important since there remains the strong possibility of further additions.

2. There are many different shapes. Most homes have open interior spaces. A large, low chimney becomes the hub of the house.

3. The roof may be a shallow hip style, gable or completely flat. Very large projecting eaves are a prominent feature.

4. Stucco is frequently used for the walls with wood or stone accents. Long, thin Roman bricks may appear.All ornamentations had to be incorporated into the original design.

5. Bands of  casement windows, which sometimes swept around a corner, are used. Leaded windows with coloured patterns sometimes serve as room dividers inside.

                53c. Prairie Style (Galt, Cambridge)

 Where to find it

    The Prairie Style is rare in Central and Eastern Canada

    I have only found two and they appear above.

Obviously, the American Mid-West would have many, but I can't speak for our own Prairies.