Inside the Kalil House
design and construction, and has retained most of its original furnishings and fixtures.
Inside the Kalil house, voluminous wood panels line the walls of the lounge area, the hallway, the bedroom and the bathroom, adding warmth, vibrancy and character to the home's interior. Other design techniques, such as contrasting narrow and wide spaces and the play of light and shadow, complement the wood and enliven the 1,380 square-foot, two-bedroom structure.
When this home was built, this wood was called by the tradename Philippine Mahogany, a term that referred to several wood species coming from the Southeast Asian region, however it is not in a botanical sense a true mahogany, but rather Meranti wood. The wood on the walls adds to the overall timeless aesthetic of the house.
The Kalil House contains approximately 48,000 individually cast concrete blocks making up its walls and ceiling. While the concrete gives the home a sturdy physical profile, it is offset in the home's interior by the Meranti-paneled walls and the artfully designed wooden fixtures and furniture, including original Wright-designed built-in and standalone chairs, stools, bed platforms, lamps and tables. A colorful Cherokee Red scored concrete flooring with radiant heating complements unique wood accents, including paneled shower stalls, beds, built-in cabinetry, shelves, desks, bureaus, and closet systems.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used inside the Kalil House?+
The wood paneling inside the Kalil House was originally called Philippine Mahogany, but it is not a true mahogany in the botanical sense. It is actually Meranti wood, which comes from several species native to Southeast Asia.
How many concrete blocks were used to build the Kalil House?+
The Kalil House contains approximately 48,000 individually cast concrete blocks, which make up both its walls and ceiling.
What flooring is used in the Kalil House?+
The home features Cherokee Red scored concrete flooring with radiant heating, which complements the wood accents throughout the interior.
How big is the Kalil House?+
The Kalil House is a 1,380 square-foot, two-bedroom structure.
What original Wright-designed furnishings are found in the Kalil House?+
The home retains original Frank Lloyd Wright-designed built-in and standalone chairs, stools, bed platforms, lamps, and tables. Wooden fixtures also include paneled shower stalls, beds, built-in cabinetry, shelves, desks, bureaus, and closet systems.
How does the Kalil House balance its concrete construction with warmth?+
While the concrete blocks give the home a sturdy physical profile, the interior is offset by Meranti-paneled walls, artfully designed wooden fixtures and furniture, and the contrasting play of narrow and wide spaces with light and shadow.