In the 1920s, Wright experimented with constructing houses out of patterned blocks of concrete. The patterns could be rotated to make different designs on the exterior and interior, and Wright called these buildings "textile block" houses. Wright designed an innovative structural grid system to hold the blocks together. The blocks acted as structure and ornament at the same time.

A total of four textile block houses were built, all in Los Angeles, California. They lent themselves well to the California landscape of deserts and mountains, often resembling ancient temples. The Ennis House is the last and most monumental of these, and observers often say it looks like a Mayan temple. The house is situated on top of a hill, and in his design Wright took into account the views from both sides. A long hallway called a loggia connects all the main rooms and is made up of windows on one side to frame the view over the rooftops. High ceilings inside create a monumental space that fits with the Hollywood lifestyle of luxury and wealth. The windows are an abstract pattern of the wisteria plant, and are the last art glass windows Wright designed for any residence—he later used wood with cutout designs. The plan is made up of square units that are repeated throughout the house. Wright would experiment with the unit system for his entire career, moving from square shapes to curves.