Howlett Residence Roof and Plot Plan - Walter Gropius

An architectural plan by Walter Gropius for the Howlett Residence, featuring technical roof and plot layouts from 1945-1946.

This architectural document presents the roof plan and plot plan for the Howlett Residence in Belmont, Massachusetts, drafted between 1945 and 1946. As a primary record of the design process, the drawing reflects the functionalist approach characteristic of Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus and a significant figure in twentieth-century architecture. The document includes precise technical notations, scale indicators, and the formal title block identifying the project and the architect.

The drawing is executed with clean, precise lines typical of mid-century architectural drafting. The roof plan occupies the left portion of the sheet, detailing the geometry of the structure, while the plot plan on the right illustrates the house in relation to its site boundaries and orientation. The composition is utilitarian, prioritising clarity and spatial information over decorative elements. The inclusion of the architect's name and the project details in the lower right corner provides historical context, linking the work to Gropius's practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during his tenure at Harvard University.

For those interested in the history of residential design, this print offers a view into the methodical planning required for mid-century modern construction. The stark contrast of black lines against the neutral background makes it a suitable choice for a study or office space. It documents the transition from initial site analysis to the final structural form, capturing the rigour of the design process. The document is a record of the collaboration between the architect and the client, reflecting the specific requirements of the Belmont site. This reproduction maintains the technical integrity of the original drafting, preserving the annotations and scale references that define its purpose as a working document.