An original architectural detail drawing by Walter Gropius for the Howlett Residence, featuring precise technical plans and sections of a fireplace.

This architectural drawing provides a technical view of the fireplace construction for the Howlett Residence in Belmont, Massachusetts. Produced between 1945 and 1946, the document reflects the precise methodology of Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus school who relocated to the United States to lead the architecture programme at Harvard University. The drawing includes multiple views, specifically plans of the chimney and fireplace alongside a vertical section, all rendered with the clarity required for construction.

The composition organises technical data through a series of orthographic projections. Gropius employs a clean, functional aesthetic, prioritising the legibility of measurements and material specifications over decorative flourishes. The stone masonry of the fireplace is indicated through schematic hatching, while the structural steel elements are delineated with sharp, thin lines. This work captures the mid-century transition of European modernist principles into the American residential context, where Gropius sought to integrate industrial efficiency with domestic comfort.

As a primary source document, the drawing reveals the collaborative nature of architectural practice. The title block identifies the firm as Walter Gropius, Architect, A.I.A., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The inclusion of specific scales, such as 3/4 inch to 1 foot, demonstrates the practical application of design theory. The drawing is not merely a representation of a finished object, but a set of instructions for the builders. It offers a view into the rigorous planning process that defined the Gropius office during his tenure in New England. The monochromatic palette and technical precision make this a compelling piece for those interested in the history of twentieth-century architecture and the development of the International Style in residential design.