In Prairie School houses, insulation played a significant role in improving both sound and temperature control.
Sound insulation:
1. Prairie School architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, recognized the importance of privacy and tranquility in residential spaces. To achieve this, they used insulation materials like thick plastered walls and built-in cabinetry to act as sound barriers.
2. The primary purpose of these sound-insulating features in Prairie School houses was to minimize the transmission of sounds from one room to another, offering occupants a sense of peace and seclusion.
3. Additionally, the heavy exterior walls made of materials like brick or stone created a buffer against external noises, further enhancing the soundproofing of the houses.
Temperature insulation:
1. Prairie School houses were designed to blend in with the vast open landscapes of the American Midwest, where extreme temperature variations exist throughout the year.
2. To ensure thermal comfort, insulation was utilized to reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the house.
3. Walls in Prairie School houses were often double-layered or included air gaps to provide an efficient barrier against heat loss during winters and heat infiltration during summers.
4. Traditional insulation materials used included brick, stone, and wood, which possess natural insulating properties. These materials helped in maintaining a stable indoor temperature and reduced the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.
Overall, insulation in Prairie School houses served as a means to create a peaceful and comfortable environment by reducing noise transmission and regulating indoor temperatures.
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