Principles + Elements

The Gamble House features an angular facade with a combination of vertical and horizontal lines that create the main shapes of the home. These shapes visually divide the house into proportional sections that are unified through the similar patterns and colors. Speaking of colors, the colors of the Gamble House tie into the connections with nature and also work towards the harmonious relationship between the building and is physical site. The scaled siding, along with the equally spaced windows, the posts that support the roof and the exterior support beams all work together and appear extremely rhythmic, contributing to the unity of the space. Additionally, light is utilized as a tool to connect the interior and exterior spaces of the home through various windows and stained glass features.

Connections

The Gamble House was built with the ida of indoor/outdoor connections being an integral part of the homes experience and meaning. The use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass heavily imply the connection with nature and communicate with the craftsman style well. The home also was inspired by Japanese architecture, with many features taking inspiration from Japan. This can be observed through the landscaping techniques, along with the wood usage in both the interior and exterior, as well as the Gamble family crest which features a a Heron along with roses. This Japanese influence originated from the Green brothers attending a Japanese architecture exhibit prior to constructing the Gamble House*.

*Kett, Dianne. “The Gamble House: An Architectural Case Study.” DK Studio, DK Studio, 21 Aug. 2022.

Materials

The materials of the Gamble House speak directly into the meaning of the home. The wood, stone, and glass* usage correlate with Japanese architecture and share visual similarities with the popular style of residential buildings in the countryside of Japan. The craftsman style of the home is displayed in the details of the home, particularly through the handcarved wooden details and the large front door, inviting visitors in with its warmth and contrast from the darker siding. The coloring of the materials are deliberate in their meanings as well, as they intertwine the home with its surroundings and strengthen the connections to nature.

*Kett, Dianne. “The Gamble House: An Architectural Case Study.” DK Studio, DK Studio, 21 Aug. 2022.

Light + Color

The room featured above is the foyer/entryway of the home. The front door of the Gamble House is ornamented with intricate stained glass panes that allow sunlight to stream through into the interior space and cast beautiful colors all around the space. The angle of the light shifts throughout the day due to the earth’s rotation which allows the colors from the glass to dance around the room. This intentional design decision informs the human experience and creates a moody and dynamic environment.

Experience

The design decisions of the home inform experience, such as the usage of light and materials, but something unique about the Gamble House is the opportunities available to lucky 5th year architecture students who attend the University of Southern California School of Architecture*. Each year, two students are selected to live within the home and fully immerse themselves in its design and be able to be a part of the living experience. The home is also open for tours and is a popular spot for architecture and design students and enjoyers to explore and learn about the wonderful home and its history.

*Kett, Dianne. “The Gamble House: An Architectural Case Study.” DK Studio, DK Studio, 21 Aug. 2022.

Technology

The Gamble House was one of the first emergences of the craftsman style home in the US. At first the home was looked down upon due to its divergent appearance, but has now become a beloved artifact of the arts and crafts era*. The home itself is not equipped with fancy bells and whistles as one of the efforts to preserve is historical origins. The original idea behind the space was for the experience to be very seclusive and natural, therefore the appliances and recreational activities within the home and the lot avoid digital interference.

*Quintero, Pablo. “Architecture Spotlight: The Gamble House.” Clean Initiative, Clean Initiative, 29 Nov. 2023.

Finishes

In terms of finishes, the Gamble House is very rustic. Much of the interior consists of sealed wood and painted drywall. The home is relatively empty with little furniture and visual distraction, which is why the finishes matter so much. The floor in each room is ornamented with a colorful oriental rug that breaks up the different spaces and brings in a pop of color. The walls feature various wainscoting techniques as well as the occasional stained glass window, helping to add color as well. The exterior features numerous natural materials such as wood, glass, and stone which ties the home into its surroundings and speaks to the craftsman design.

Theories

The Gamble House emits a great sense of place. The “sense of place” theory refers to the connection between the way a space is designed and how its occupants interact with it. This theory is exhibited through both the home’s connection to nature, as well as the connection to Japanese culture. The Gamble house heavily resembles a Japanese home, both the interior, exterior, and landscaping, which feeds into the sense of place. The natural materials and large windows connect the home with the land and define the experience to mimic a retreat or a place to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Furnishings

While minimal, the furnishings present in the Gamble House represent high level craftsmanship, most of which being hand-carved wood pieces. The Green brothers who designed the home incorporated many of their original wood pieces, particularly their inlaid wood features. The furnishings are sparse throughout the home, as to not divert the focus of the overall craft of the home. Not only do the furnishings reflect the build style of the home, but they also push the simple life narrative and connection to the outdoors, with less activity going on inside and the focus being on the surrounding landscape.

Telling A Story

The Gamble House tells the story of a journey from underappreciated to absolutely adored. The home was at first looked down upon due to the craftsman style just emerging in America. The general public was not a fan of the home and criticized it for being too far out of the box. This did not matter to the Green brothers, as it was designed specially for a client and the client was happy. However, as time continued, the craftsman style was spread throughout the US and became incredibly popular. This popularity surge redirected the eye of the public back to the Gamble House and declared it a beautifully done craftsman staple. The home is now enjoyed by many, as it hosts open tours as well as serves aspiring architect students as a temporary residence. The home speaks for itself in the way that ot wasn’t afraid to be different, and that difference inspired a shift in the world of design and the trends that were to follow.