from Archinect, via the always interesting Treehugger:
In 1911 Frank Lloyd Wright worked with the Richards Company to develop
the American System of Housing, based on ideas he learned in Japan.
"Wright further innovated the A.S.B. line through the use of
pre-milled, machine made materials. The pre-cut materials, such as
framing, joists, millwork, cabinets, and doors, were of a
"standardized" character which literally permitted the use of these
items throughout the A.S.B. line. In addition, as being made by
machine, the pre-milled materials were insured to possess an overall
consistency, quality, and longevity that on-site carpentry could not
achieve." Not many were built; World War One interfered. Today one of
the very few remaining, the Wynant house, burned down.