The Hall Home
Raymond Viner Hall would design more than 122 private Usonian homes. The distinct regionalism would include ingredients Raymond would return to throughout his career. This would include mosaic stonework (established by his father Walter at Lynn Hall), unique fireplace designs that incorporated reused oil well pipes, the fused glass block invented in his hometown of Port Allegany and early technology — such as radiant floor heating. In fact, Raymond would design and install 30 of the first 50 radiant floors in the U.S. He would later create the first book of standards on radiant floor heating for U.S. Steel. The product was named Rayduct.
Late in his career, Raymond applied his craft to the Caribbean. Initially, he built a winter home for his family and then homes for local friends. This would lead to marinas, hotels and even an airport. Although not all of his designs came to fruition, the concepts show a unique marriage of historic methods of climate control from a modernist viewpoint.
Walter’s Cottage beneath the Milky Way on a spring night.
heiges residence / sharon, pennsylvania
The home was designed to marry ideally into the small wooded lot while taking advantage of the private community pond in the back. A small greenhouse was later added off the kitchen. Although it is unclear wether Raymond had a hand in its design, it certainly adds to the arboreal feel.