Throughout his career, one of Schindler’s main interests was shaping interior space. He did this not just in plan (the size and arrangement of rooms), but most importantly in the vertical dimension. His spaces have different heights, sloped and flat ceilings, and lots of glass that opens to views and light. Frustrated with the cost and limits of standard construction, the construction system he used on his earlier Plaster Skin designs, he developed the Schindler Frame to allow him the greatest flexibility in shaping spaces. 1
“…giving the space architect complete freedom to shape rooms.” 2
Lately I have been looking at Schindler’s later buildings. They (fig 1) are different from his earlier buildings (fig 2) that I have written about.1 The earlier houses, described by Schindler as Plaster Skin houses, are smooth masses with little detail and dynamic exteriors. His later homes, described by Schindler as Schindler Frame buildings, are thinner, with roof overhangs, exposed structure and intricate interiors. His later buildings can be more difficult to like and understand-particularly from the outside. They lack the dynamic, modern Plaster Skin exteriors. To some people they look strange, cobbled together, as if they were not even built by an architect at all. Continue reading Schindler Frame – Introduction, part 1 of 3→
NOTE I make my models to show designs, spaces and ideas. They are not intended to be photo realistic. The interiors of the Kaun House are all wood, stained yellow. Schindler’s stains are typically semi-transparent and allow the wood grain to show through. I chose not to show that grain in this model-it was distracting and unpleasant looking. So when you see the interiors, imagine that the flat yellow walls and ceilings have a faint wood texture showing through.
Schindler’s interiors are known for his sculptural cabinets. The Kaun House, all wood on the inside, is like being inside one large cabinet. The walls are covered with ¼” plywood, the ceiling is exposed wood beams and roof planks, the floor is wood. The only thing that isn’t wood is the plaster finished fireplace.
Analyzing the Schindler Frame
opens to views and light. Frustrated with the cost and limits of standard construction, the construction system he used on his earlier Plaster Skin designs, he developed the Schindler Frame to allow him the greatest flexibility in shaping spaces. 1
