
The Rayward-Shepherd House,
also known as Tirranna and as the John L. Rayward House, was designed by
renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright and built in New Canaan, Connecticut in
1955 for Joyce and John Rayward.
“Tirranna” is an Australian
aboriginal word meaning “running waters” – an apt name for this spectacular
residence.
Located right on a pond just off the Noroton
River, it features elaborate land and water-scaping. Built of standard concrete
block (not Wright's more typical textile block), glass, and Colorundum
flooring, and trimmed with Philippine mahogany, most of the house conforms to a
hemicycle plan.
Its living/dining wing overlooks a pool which steps down to a
pond and extensive landscaped gardens, designed by Frank Okamura, landscape
architect for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Charles Middeleer, a notable local
landscape architect, also contributed to the landscape design.
The Rayward House includes a
later (1958) extension by Taliesin Associated Architects, featuring an
observatory above the master bedroom dressing room, as well as a playhouse for
the Raywards’ daughters, Victoria and Jennifer (1957), also designed by TAA,
which echoes the hemicycle form of the main house.