2013/03/25

Fallingwater

My absolute favorite place in the world of architecture is Fallingwater in Bear Run, PA.  I won't go into the details here, but you can learn more about it here

Briefly, it is the most well-known example of residential architecture in the US of the 20th century.  Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as a summer home for the Kaufmann family, it became an iconic piece of architecture.

Here are but a few examples of the building:


The iconic view from downstream.  The building sits in part over the stream, anchored to the stone of the bank and jutting into space.  Wright designed these steel reinforced concrete terraces well before the use of such technology became commonplace.  

© 2008 Emmitt Dove All Rights Reserved

This terrace is outside the bedroom of the master of the house.  The upstairs entry is to the son's space.

© 2008 Emmitt Dove All Rights Reserved

In this view the cantilevers can be clearly seen - there is no support for the building beyond the piers on the right.  The living space extends out over the stream, and a pool is created on the right.  The steps at left-center extend down from the living area, while steps at right can be seen that descend from the lower level of the house.  Wright brought the outside to the inside, and extended the interior to the outside.

I have visited the house on three occasions and photographed it on two.  I need to return with my camera to do justice to this work of art.

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