Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a famous house built directly on a waterfall and river. Commissioned in 1935 by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., it features cantilevered balconies and is designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. The house promotes interaction with nature and has inspired many homes since its construction.
Fallingwater is a famous house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a prominent American architect. Fallingwater’s most distinctive feature is probably its location; the home is situated directly on a waterfall, incorporating the waterfall and surrounding Bear Run River into its architectural appearance. This house is justifiably famous and visitors from all over the world come to see it every year. Not only is Fallingwater truly stunning, but the house ushered in a new aesthetic in American architecture, and numerous homes owe their inspiration to Fallingwater’s innovative and bold design.
The house was commissioned in 1935 by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., a Pittsburgh department store magnate. Kaufman Junior had studied briefly with Frank Lloyd Wright, and he no doubt suggested Wright as the architect for the family land a few hours outside of Pittsburgh. When Wright visited the site and proposed building directly above the waterfall, the plan was accepted almost without hesitation. Construction was finished in the late 1930s, and the Edgar J. Kaufman Sr. Residence included room for servants, guests, and four cars in addition to the main living quarters when completed.
Fallingwater is made of concrete and stone, with beautiful cantilevered balconies that jut out over the waterfall. The river also feeds a small swimming pool, and is an integral part of the house. Visitors often comment that the house feels like a part of the landscape, and the sound of the water often fills Fallingwater, especially during times of heavy snowmelt. The design of the house is meant to mimic that of the surrounding terrain, with nooks and balconies aiming to integrate it organically into the existing natural landscape.
Fallingwater’s design greatly encourages interaction in the public areas of the home and is meant to promote the contemplation and enjoyment of nature. The home is situated on a well-maintained lot that integrates an array of native plants, making it blend seamlessly into the landscape of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. The house is open to the public most of the year; it is managed by a guardianship that maintains it to ensure that future generations can enjoy it.
Fallingwater’s nature-friendly architecture set a bar in the 1930s, creating a demand for architecture that was seamlessly integrated with its landscape. Many fine homes built since then include Fallingwater features, transforming them into peaceful retreats in nature for owners and visitors to enjoy.
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