Rice House (Richmond, Virginia) facts for kids
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Rice House
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Entrance to the property
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1000 Old Locke Lane, Richmond, Virginia |
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| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1962 |
| Architect | Richard Neutra, et al. |
| Architectural style | International Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000369 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1999 |
The Rice House is a special home in Richmond, Virginia. It was designed by a famous architect named Richard Neutra. This house was built in the mid-1960s on Lock Island, which is in the James River. Since 1999, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical place in the United States. The Rice House is unique because it's the only house in Richmond built in a style called the International Style.
About the Rice House
Its Unique Design
The Rice House is a great example of the International Style of architecture. This style is known for its clean lines and simple shapes. Many of Neutra's houses, including this one, feature strong horizontal parts. These parts look like they are made of concrete. However, they are actually wood and steel beams covered with a special surface.
The house is very large, about 6,000 square feet. It is built with marble from Georgia. The building stretches out along a granite ridge. This ridge runs next to the river. The house sits 110 feet above the James River. From the living room, you can see a great view of the Williams Dam.
Windows and Details
The Rice House has huge windows that go from the floor to the ceiling. It also has sliding glass doors. These features let in a lot of natural light. They also connect the inside of the house with the beautiful outdoor views.
Other parts of the house also show the International Style. These include the railings outside, the balconies, and the flat roofs. The roofs are built in layers, which is a common feature of this style.
History of the Rice House
The Rice House is named after Walter Lyman Rice (1903–1998). He was a top leader at the Reynolds Metals Company. From 1969 to 1973, he served as the United States Ambassador to Australia. An ambassador is a country's main representative in another country. Walter Rice and his wife, Inger, who was from Denmark, asked Richard Neutra to design the house in 1962. The building of the house took place between 1962 and 1965.
