Brian installed in-floor radiant heating under utilitarian diagonal tiles. This kept the open space evenly heated and provided a durable floor that needs very little maintenance.

Another trait of a Wright home is a strong central fireplace. Brian’s home features a see-through hearth near the heart of the home. The hearth is flush with the floor on the foyer side, but recessed into the floor on the living room side. The sunken hearth is lined with dark ubatuba granite, which reflects the light of the flames and resembles a rippling pool of water (“It’s the perfect feng shui balance of water and fire,” says Brian).

This sunny corner (right) is a reading room by day and media room by night. Note the pull-down screen in the ceiling for the projection TV.

The subtle arches between the main rooms (below) provide distinction and give the kitchen a sense of intimacy. The fireplace in the great room is sunken into the floor and lined with ubatuba granite. The award-winning home (opposite) works with the environment, like many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s plans, who inspired the homeowners to work with natural materials and simple lines.

Other simple yet striking additions to the home include:

• a leather floor in the master bedroom

• a brushed stainless steel tub in the master bathroom

• walkout Velux windows in the upstairs bedrooms

• a staircase consisting of metal stringers and ipé (Brazilian hardwood) treads

Straightforward furnishings fill out the rooms — there’s nothing overstuffed, curvy, or ornate. The basic lines of mission couches, chairs, built-in benches, and Arts & Crafts cabinetry all reflect the 1910 fashion of Prairie style home design.