A Look at the Work of William Wurster
Author:Lindsey ShookIf we have anybody to thank for the recent popularity of clean-lined modern homes warmed up with rustic materials, such as reclaimed wood and stacked stone, it’s William Wurster. A true design icon, the work he did during his 45-year career would help define the look of California houses for decades to come.
His legacy is celebrated in the new book The Houses of William Wurster: Frames for Living (Princeton Architectural Press) by Caitlin Lempres Brostrom and Richard C. Peters.
In addition to archival images and Wurster’s own hand-drawn plans, the book features some recent images of his work that perfectly capture how the forward-thinking designer was creating houses built to last.
They are also built to appreciate: The Wurster-designed residence at 2600 Pacific in San Francisco was sold in 2010 for $15.5 million, making it the most expensive home sold in the Bay Area that year.
If you can’t afford to move into your own Wurster, the book is a satisfying (and more economical) alternative. Available here.
