A leader of the New Bauhaus in Chicago and an influential figure in American modern design, Ralph Rapson established an early reputation for his experimental concept houses like the 1945 Case Study House #4 and the 1939 Fabric House. Rapson’s contribution to the invitational is a “two-story response” based on his original design for the Case Study House Program.

This structure is similarly arranged around a central skylit atrium that makes nature central to the house. The main building elements are prefabricated, modular “trailer” structures. The modules are organized into upper, lower, and front units. The lower unit is for the office and utilities, and the upper unit is intended for the (future) children’s rooms, another office/workshop, and a second bathroom. The front “trailer” holds the living room/dining room/kitchen, as well as the master bedroom and bath. The design is intended to allow
the simple addition of future modules for extra space as necessary.