Which material is central to the Ennis House's exterior construction?

Which material is central to the Ennis House's exterior construction?

• A. Brick
• B. Textile blocks
• C. Stucco
• D. Vinyl siding

Answer: (B)

This item tests knowledge of the material that defines the Ennis House’s exterior: textile blocks. These are decorative, precast concrete blocks used as the outer walls, giving the house its distinctive textured, patterned surface. The blocks are central because they are the primary exterior material and shape the building’s appearance, light play, and mass. They embody Wright’s idea of turning concrete into sculptural, modular elements that read as architecture rather than plain masonry. Brick would alter the texture to a traditional masonry wall, stucco would create a smooth skin, and vinyl siding is not aligned with the era or the building's material vocabulary, so none of those would define the Ennis House the way textile blocks do.

This item tests knowledge of the material that defines the Ennis House’s exterior: textile blocks. These are decorative, precast concrete blocks used as the outer walls, giving the house its distinctive textured, patterned surface. The blocks are central because they are the primary exterior material and shape the building’s appearance, light play, and mass. They embody Wright’s idea of turning concrete into sculptural, modular elements that read as architecture rather than plain masonry. Brick would alter the texture to a traditional masonry wall, stucco would create a smooth skin, and vinyl siding is not aligned with the era or the building's material vocabulary, so none of those would define the Ennis House the way textile blocks do.