3D Tour

Norman Lykes House: A 3D Matterport Tour Experience

1. A Legacy in Three Dimensions

The Norman Lykes House, also known as the Circular Sun House, stands as Frank Lloyd Wright’s last residential architectural work. Completed in 1967 by his apprentice John Rattenbury after Wright’s death in 1959, this ultra-rare circular home is one of only fourteen Wright designed and one of six in the Phoenix area Wikipedianormanlykes.com.

Enter the world of immersive digital exploration with the 3D Matterport tour captured using a Matterport Pro1 by UC3D Tours—complete with Wright-designed furnishings. The virtual “digital twin” allows viewers to move fluidly through the home’s curved spaces and appreciate every detail through their screen Facebook.

2. The Design: Geometry & Organic Harmony

Reflecting Wright’s organic architecture philosophy, the Norman Lykes House is crafted to feel as though it organically rises from the mountain itself. Its design features concentric circles and overlapping arcs rather than sharp angles—creating a fluid, natural flow throughout the home Wikipedianormanlykes.com.

Set on a 1⅓-acre slope in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the house encompasses about 3,095 square feet of living space. Inside, it contains three bedrooms and three bathrooms—originally designed with five bedrooms, later modified during a 1994 renovation by Rattenbury WikipediaArchitectural DigestFrank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

3. Inside & Out: Features in Motion

What makes the Matterport tour remarkable is its ability to convey form, function, and context dynamically:

• Interior Flow: The circular layout guides you seamlessly from the living room, with its custom-built entertainment center and conical fireplace, through the library, kitchen, and spiral staircase—each area connected through arc-like continuity Wikipedia.
• Furnishings: Many pieces—from desks and built-in seating to cabinetry—were designed by Wright himself and are present as you navigate the spaces Wikipedia.
• Material Harmony: Throughout the home, you’ll note rose-tinted concrete walls, Philippine mahogany woodwork, and strategic windows that offer sweeping views while protecting from harsh desert sunlight Wikipedia.
• Outdoor Integration: The curved courtyard and a crescent-shaped pool lined with mother-of-pearl tiles embrace the outdoors. The tour captures how outdoor terraces and cut-out parapets interact with the desert backdrop Wikipedianormanlykes.com.

4. Why the Matterport Tour Matters

• Architectural Study: Being able to walk through the 3D model enables a rare understanding of how Wright’s form complements function—interior flow, living dynamics, and light play.
• Historical Context: It’s the only Wright-designed residence that most people can visit virtually—making it a vital resource for students, architects, and enthusiasts.
• Preservation Awareness: Capturing a digital twin preserves the home’s appearance during this moment in time, protecting its legacy for future generations.

Conclusion

The Matterport 3D tour opens the doors—literally and digitally—into Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary final residential masterpiece. As you glide through the circular spaces, both the architectural brilliance and the organic elegance of the design come alive on screen. Whether you’re an architect, historian, designer, or simply a lover of extraordinary homes, this virtual experience brings you face-to-face with the genius of Wright’s last creation in ways that photos alone simply cannot.

Why You Should Explore the Tour

1. Full 360° Immersion
   Glide through each flowing, circular space—living areas, library, bedrooms, and the media room—experiencing the dynamic arcs and geometry firsthand.
2. See Original Wright Furnishings
   Many of the built-in pieces and furnishings you’ll encounter were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself. Matterport DiscoverFacebook
3. Understand Organic Architecture in Action
   Walk virtually through the overlapping circular layouts. Notice how light pours through carefully placed windows, blending the lived experience with the desert landscape. Matterport DiscoverWikipedia
4. Interplay of Materials & Surroundings
   Observe the rose-tinted concrete, Philippine mahogany interiors, and crescent-shaped mother-of-pearl pool—all reflecting Wright’s philosophy of organic integration. Wikipedianormanlykes.com

Quick Viewing Guide