Frank Lloyd Wright’s Green Legacy: A Sustainable Addition to the First Unitarian Society Meeting House
History
In 1946, the First Unitarian Society of Madison, Wisconsin, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright, one of its own members, to design a new meeting space. Wright’s iconic design, known as the Church of Tomorrow, featured a V-shaped copper roof and a stone-and-glass prow. It was a departure from traditional ecclesiastical architecture and quickly became a local landmark.
Environmental Ethos
By the late 1990s, the congregation had outgrown the original building. Faced with the decision to expand or create a satellite congregation, they chose to stay on their original site, motivated by their environmental ethic. They wanted a new building that would be a “responsible response” to global warming and resource depletion.
Sustainable Design
The congregation selected Kubala Washatko Architects to design a $9.1 million green building. The architects assembled a panel of Wright experts to guide their design, which incorporated sustainable principles such as:
- Passive solar gain: The addition was oriented to maximize sunlight exposure, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.
- Green roof: The roof was planted with vegetation to control stormwater runoff and provide insulation.
- Geothermal heating and cooling: This system uses the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool the building, reducing energy consumption.
- Energy efficiency: The building was designed to use 40% less energy and 35% less water than a similar-size, conventionally built structure.
Local Materials
Wright believed in using local materials in his designs, and the architects of the addition followed suit. The stone used in the original building came from a quarry along the Wisconsin River, and the new addition incorporated red pine support posts from the Menominee tribal lands. These local materials reduced the environmental impact of transporting products over long distances.
Respect for Wright’s Legacy
While the addition is a modern interpretation of sustainable design, it respects Wright’s original vision. The architects used similar materials and design elements, such as the broad eave of the roof and the use of natural light. They also created a “hyphen” between the two structures, using glass walls and a glass roof to connect them seamlessly.
A Green Legacy
The addition to the First Unitarian Society Meeting House is a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy as a visionary architect. While he may not have used the term “green architecture,” his principles of organic architecture and respect for the environment continue to inspire sustainable design today.
The building received a LEED Gold rating, recognizing its environmental performance. It is a model for how historic buildings can be updated to meet modern sustainability standards while preserving their architectural integrity.