Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright

Fans of Frank Lloyd Wright understand his views of a clean and efficient home design.  His ability to combine these goals with the beauty and stunning effects of his architecture and design is truly amazing.  Way ahead of his time, Frank Lloyd Wright cared about the environmental impact of his work and brought nature into his artistry.

This home was built for the Kaufmanns who had wanted a cottage in the woods.  The result was more than anticipated at the beginning of the project and definitely created an escape with all of the comforts I would love when "camping" in the woods.

Fallingwater is considered one of the Smithsonian's Life List of 28 places to "visit before you die."  The design was complete in 1935 in Pennsylvania.  The home was built over a waterfall on Bear Run in the Laurel Highlands of the Allegheny Mountains.  Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, this is a place to visit.

Viewing this home, knowing it was designed and built in the 1930's, is like looking into a portal to the future.  From the steps taken to have little environmental impact to the streamlined look and feel, as well the open feel of the living area, you see into a mind that redefined American Architecture and remains an inspiration.

Of the 5000 square feet for this project, the Kaufmanns wanted Wright to manage a 50/50 feel of indoor versus outdoor space. He came close with 2900 square feet designated for indoor space.

The "crick" outside of Fallingwater.

This is an early example of understanding the importance of incorporating nature and residence. The house is built over a waterfall and the elements can be seen from every room. In fact, the design of the hallways and rooms is intended to draw you to the outside while inside the "cottage".

Every living area is attached to a terrace or balcony. The staircase leading down from the living room to the stream is accessed via movable horizontal glass panels.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is entrusted to preserve Fallingwater.



The home and guesthouse cost US$155,000: house US$75,000, finishing and furnishing US$22,000, guest house, garage and servants' quarters US$50,000, architect's fee US$8,000 in 1935!



Over 2.7 million people have visited Fallingwater since it opened to the public in 1964. The house is located halfway between the villages of Mill Run and Ohiopyle on Pennsylvania Route 381.

 This is a truly inspiring space.  I certainly have not learned to live with so little or in such small rooms, but it is quite incredible.  It made me want to learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright and the Kaufmanns.  I also went home and had a huge purge of excess items.  No amount of house purging will bring me to the level of Frank Lloyd Wright, but it does not hurt to make a little effort every once in a while.

The information located for this post was gathered during the tour, from fallingwater.org and wikipedia.