Rayward-Shepherd House, Modern architecture residence in New Canaan, US.
The Rayward-Shepherd House is a modern single-family residence in New Canaan situated on a large wooded property near the Noroton River. The structure features curved design elements, concrete block construction, and mahogany details that flow throughout its interior spaces.
The house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955 while he was simultaneously working on the Guggenheim Museum. Both projects from this period share similar architectural approaches that reflect Wright's design philosophy at the time.
The house carries the name Tirranna, derived from an Aboriginal word meaning running waters, chosen to reflect its location near a waterfall and natural springs. This connection to water remains visible in how the spaces are oriented toward the landscape and how residents experience the flow of the site.
Plan to take your time walking through the spaces to appreciate the integrated design details and materials throughout the property. The wooded setting and riverside location make it possible to spend time outdoors while observing how the house relates to its natural surroundings.
The property includes a former bomb shelter that was repurposed into a wine cellar, demonstrating how existing structures were adapted for new uses. There is also the only known tree house designed by Taliesin Associated Architects, an unexpected extension of Wright's organic architecture principles.
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