Both women were passionate about exploring how contemporary design and architecture could enhance everyday life, and they sought a way to embody these principles in their own living space. Naturally, this drew them to Frank Lloyd Wright, whose philosophy of organic design and “Broadacre City” concept deeply resonated with them.

Wright envisioned a decentralized, egalitarian society where individuals lived in harmony with nature, supported by efficient and affordable housing. Inspired by this vision, Goetsch, Winckler, and six other professors purchased an area of land not far from the university and commissioned Wright to design a Usonian community consisting of seven homes surrounding a central caretaker’s cottage.

Wright dubbed the project “Usonia 2.”

Unfortunately, the collective fell apart after the Federal Housing Authority refused to provide loans, deeming the designs “too radical.” This left Goetsch and Winckler to fund the construction of their home out of pocket.

With a strict budget of $6,600 (about $150,000 today), Goetsch and Winckler hired Harold Turner as their main contractor, and broke ground in 1939.

A few modifications were made to the original plans to stay within budget: first, they did away with the perforated boards, or “shadow screens,” that would have adorned the clerestory windows; they also substituted the specified cypress siding with cheaper and more easily-sourced redwood; and, for the ceiling, they opted for four-foot square oiled plywood panels rather than the intended board ceiling.

The pair ultimately completed the home with just $5.27 to spare—a rare and possibly singular example of a Wright-designed home that did not exceed its budget.

The resulting structure embraced simplicity and efficiency, featuring an open floor plan, built-in furniture, and large windows that connected the interior to the surrounding landscape. The house reflected Wright’s belief in creating spaces that encouraged harmony between people and their environment, aligning perfectly with Goetsch and Winckler’s modernist values.

For the two women, the home was not just a place to live but a testament to how thoughtful design could transform daily life.

While the house represented their shared vision, Goetsch and Winckler’s story is equally about their partnership and determination to live life on their own terms. As unmarried women in a time when societal norms often limited their choices, they built a life that prioritized their professional goals and creative ambitions.

Their collaboration with Wright resulted in a home that exemplifies modernist principles in everyday living. Their shared vision, friendship, and courage to pursue an unconventional path have left a lasting legacy, demonstrating the power of architecture to challenge norms, inspire creativity, and shape the way we live.