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 he site of the Joshua
Melson House is the only place is America where both Wright and
Griffin designed a house for the same client. Wright's design
for Melson later became the Isabel Roberts House, whereas Griffin's design became part of his
greatest American achievement - Rock Crest Rock Glen.
he design
of the Melson House was Griffin's attempt to completely integrate
a house with its surroundings. Griffin
created this masterpiece along Willow Creek in Mason City, Iowa,
two decades before Wright's design for Fallingwater. The house
rises three stories out of the creek
wall and is capped with concrete keystones.
The patterns in the keystones at one time continued along the
wooden mullions of the window design,
giving the appearance of sun rays. But, unfortunately, most of
the patterned windows were replaced with clear glass.
he house has a two-car,
drive-through garage. Joshua Melson
had the first car in the county so he needed this modern convenience.
He was also an amateur pilot and architect.
 n asymmetrical
entryway is on the first floor of
the house with the front and back doors directly opposite each
other. The living room and dining room
wrap around a central fireplace. They
are connected by a balcony overlooking the creek. The lower level
not only has a recreation room but it opens onto a side tea
terrace. The bedroom on the top floor
also opens onto a balcony.
his private residence
has recently undergone a complete restoration that include adding
modern amenities such as a whirlpool bath and a central audio
system.
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Ralph Griffin House-1909