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Theodore A. Pappas House. St Louis, Missouri. 1955-64, 

Frank Lloyd Wright Architect

Wright designed the house for Ted and Bette Pappas, the original and only owners, in the Usonian Automatic style. 

Usonians were Wright’s solution to more economical homes, built with no attics and basements and with less ornamentation than some of his other designs.

Usonian Automatics took this idea one step further. Wright created a concrete masonry building system so that materials could be manufactured and sent to the owners in a kit for self-construction. 

Using different types of inexpensive concrete blocks, the homes proved more challenging to assemble than anticipated, and it’s estimated that only 10 or 20 Usonian Automatic houses were built.

After several years of design, construction began on the Pappas home in 1960. While craftsman made the terra-cotta-tinted concrete blocks and a contractor oversaw the project, the Pappas couple did much of the work themselves. 

That wasn’t enough to keep the home on budget, however. When the family moved to the home in 1964, final costs were four times the original estimates.

Still, the family home impresses. The focal point of the house is a combined living and dining room with red, squared concrete floors and rich Philippine mahogany trim.

Photos by John Flack for Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty

Potter & Potter Auctions, Blueprint to the Theodore A. Pappas House

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