Frank Lloyd Wright’s final project before his death: a stunning circular house
The "Lykes House," or the "Circular Sun House," was constructed by Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentice, John Rattenbury, in 1967.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright?
It's no surprise that when the average person is asked to name a renowned American architect, they will likely answer Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright earned his prominent cultural status for a reason: he revolutionized the way we construct and inhabit buildings. Over the course of his illustrious career spanning seven decades until his passing in 1959, he designed a total of 1,114 architectural works of various kinds, with 532 of them brought to life.
Through his visionary creations, Wright crafted some of the most ground-breaking and inventive spaces across the United States. For this reason, he is widely considered by the American Institute of Architects as “the greatest American architect of all time.”
This unique Arizona dwelling, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is recognized as his final project before his passing. Constructed in 1967 for shipping magnate Norman Lykes and his wife Aimee, the property consists of a series of concentric circles with crescent, circle, and triangle shapes cut into the curving concrete block exterior. This innovative design is one of only 14 circular homes crafted by Wright during his lengthy career.
The innovative structure underwent extensive renovation and remodeling in the early 1990s, which was also overseen by Rattenbury himself while maintaining the original floor plan. The split-level living space spans just over 3,000 square feet and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, slate floors, mahogany walls, built-ins, and meandering hallways. The expansive arched windows provide breathtaking views of the canyon, mountains, and city lights.
In 2019, the property was sold at auction to an out-of-state buyer for almost $1.7 million. After being renovated and transformed into an Airbnb rental, it was listed for sale for almost $8 million. The notable midcentury home is now on the market again, this time for just under $9 million.
Located in the Palm Canyon neighborhood of Phoenix and situated on a little over an acre of rocky hillside land, this desert residence features a striking all-white exterior. A porte-cochère with space for two cars greets visitors upon arrival. The interior boasts a spacious living room with a large fireplace and banquette seating, serving as a clear centerpiece of the home. An adjacent dining area leads to a functional kitchen, complete with stainless steel countertops and appliances.
Ascending via a narrow spiral staircase, one arrives at an office. Other spaces within the residence include a den and library, along with a master suite boasting a private balcony and a marble-clad bathroom complete with a dressing area, spa tub, and shower. The walled-in backyard features a crescent-shaped pool lined with mother-of-pearl tiles and an adjacent water feature, all set within a sprawling terrace that provides ample space for outdoor relaxation and hosting events.
A little bit of history
Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to parents William Carey Wright and Anna Lloyd Jones. His mother's Welsh family had settled in the valley area near Spring Green, Wisconsin. During his early childhood, Wright's family moved frequently as his father held various ministry positions in Rhode Island, Iowa, and Massachusetts before finally settling in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1878.
After his parents' divorce in 1885, Wright faced even greater financial struggles. At the age of 18, he began working for the dean of the University of Wisconsin's engineering department while simultaneously studying at the university. However, he was determined to become an architect. In 1887, he left Madison for Chicago, where he found employment with two different firms before being hired by the renowned partnership of Adler and Sullivan. Wright worked under the tutelage of Louis Sullivan for six years.
