Must-Know Modern Homes: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater
There have been many instances over the years which we have seen Fallingwater, a home located in the hills of western Pennsylvania. We’ve completed the normal excursion, a Sunday brunch tour and attended an evening reception. In each event, Fallingwater never neglected to enchant, enliven and teach.
The home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1930s for Edgar Kaufmann, a Pittsburgh department store operator, and in 1991 it was named the “greatest all-time job of American architecture.” In 1963 the Kaufmann’s son, Edgar Jr., entrusted the home, property and original furnishings to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which today continues as conservator of this remarkable building.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Fallingwater, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, caretakers of Fallingwater, held “an enchanted evening” in the home on Friday, Sept. 17, 2011. (Learn more about the event) An evening reception at Fallingwater — with the home aglow like a lantern from the woods while the sounds of the waterfall, soft music and good conversation fill the air — would be like no other.
Fallingwater
The iconic view of the home could be had with only a brief walk through the woods to an outcropping. In what can rarely be said about buildings, this home makes Mother Nature all the better to be there. It really is the high point in Frank Lloyd Wright’s quest for an “organic architecture.”
Fallingwater
The waterfall is hovered over by the home. At once connected and rooted to its site whilst apparently ready to fly into the skies. Mrs. Kaufmann, an avid outdoors person, would fish from the stair across the waterfall.
Fallingwater
The living room features a rock flooring and windows. Terraces overlooking the water are accessible from the left and right, expanding the space of this space to the outdoors. And though big, this chamber lives. This really is a testament to Wright’s ability to control scale to get the desired effect.
Fallingwater
In true Wright style, built-in seats gives a relaxing place to take a nap, read a book or discuss the company of friends and family.
Fallingwater
The covering over the stair which leads from the primary living room to the waterfall could be seen in this photo. When open, the noises of the water rushing under fill the space. When shut, the water sound is muted to a soft foundation tune.
Fallingwater
The central, vertical heart of the home is built of local rock and homes fireplaces at each degree, though none as grand as in the primary living room. This fireplace, like those fantastic hearths in Colonial America, gives a feeling of welcome and warmth to the area. The massive stone in the hearth has been around in this area for centuries, connecting the home to its site like no other.
Fallingwater
From every room there is. Against this background are places to unwind and recharge. This was, after all, a weekend “holiday” home for the Kaufmann family.
Fallingwater
The attention to detail is exceptional, as from the matching woods of this wardrobe. A testament to the close collaboration between client and architect.
Fallingwater
What could be a better place to sit and write a letter to a dear friend whilst overlooking the stream below.
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