Howlett Residence Elevation Framing - Walter Gropius

An original architectural elevation and framing detail drawing for the Howlett Residence by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius.

This architectural drawing provides a technical view of the Howlett Residence in Belmont, Massachusetts, designed by Walter Gropius. As a primary figure in the Bauhaus movement, Gropius brought a rigorous approach to residential design, prioritising functional clarity and structural honesty. This document captures the east and west elevation framing, alongside specific construction details that define the building's skeletal form.

The drawing reflects the methodical nature of mid-century architectural practice. It displays the precise measurements and structural annotations required for construction, illustrating the transition from conceptual design to physical reality. The lines are clean and purposeful, typical of the drafting standards employed by The Architects Collaborative (TAC), the firm Gropius established after moving to the United States. The inclusion of specific scale notations, such as the 1/4 inch and 1 1/2 inch to 1 foot ratios, demonstrates the technical rigour applied to the project.

For those interested in the history of domestic architecture, this print offers a view into the process behind the mid-century modern home. It documents the structural logic of the Howlett Residence, showing how the design intent was communicated to builders. The composition is utilitarian, focusing on the clarity of the framing systems rather than aesthetic flourish. This piece serves as a record of the collaborative efforts involved in realising Gropius's vision for American residential architecture during the post-war period.