One Of The Most Iconic Examples Of Modern Architecture - Fallingwater

American architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed Fallingwater in 1935 as a vacation home for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family, owners of Pittsburgh’s largest department store. The original estimate for the project was $35,000, but the final cost reached approximately $148,000, including $11,300 in architect fees. The iconic main house was constructed by local craftspeople between 1936 and 1938, with the guest house added in 1939. The entire house features only two colors throughout: a light ochre for the concrete and Wright’s signature Cherokee red for the steel elements. Original furnishings designed by Wright still occupy the space, minimal yet warm, and perfectly fitted to the house’s geometry.

What makes Fallingwater iconic is its integration with nature—the house is dramatically cantilevered over a waterfall on Bear Run, blending seamlessly into the forested landscape. Wright used natural materials like local sandstone and emphasized horizontal lines to echo the surrounding rock formations. The home’s design follows Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, which seeks harmony between human habitation and the natural world.

The Kaufmann family enjoyed Fallingwater as their vacation home for 26 years. In 1963, they donated the property—along with 1,543 acres of surrounding land—to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The home was opened to the public as a museum in 1964.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

In Fallingwater, Wright anchored a series of reinforced concrete trays to the natural rock. Cantilevered terraces of local sandstone blend harmoniously with the rock formations, appearing to float above the stream below.

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This staircase leads from the pottery to east terrace.

Wright furnished the interior with built-in and freestanding furniture he designed specifically for Fallingwater.

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This is the classic view of Fallingwater, taken from below the main house and looking back at it through an opening in the trees.

The bridge crossing the waterfall to the house

The entry area looking up towards the guest house.

The entrance

The East Terrace

A desk area just inside the entrance area of the house.

Some images of the first floor living room and dining room merging to create one continuous space,

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The glass enclosure and hatch in the living room that opens to a suspended stairway that descends to the stream below.

The staircase leading to the second floor. Photography was not allowed on the upper floors.

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Glass walls further open the rooms to the surrounding landscape.

The kitchen was designed to be essentially utilitarian in nature and included steel cabinets, a Formica-topped work table and asphalt floor tiles.

The pool

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The main house totals 9,300 sq ft of which 4,400 sq ft is outdoor terraces, while the guest house totals 4,900 sq ft of which 1,950 sq ft is outdoor terraces.

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The Pottery Terrace

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A few of the terraces and the pool area.

On the east terrace

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The floor-to-ceiling windows minimize the boundary between interior and exterior space. This effect is facilitated by glass that runs directly into chases in the stonework, providing a continuity of surface on both sides of the glass. When the small casements are opened outward, the vertical corner disappears to strengthen horizontal lines and minimize the enclosure.

Wright designed additional guest quarters set into the hillside directly above the main house and linked by a covered walkway. This is the terrace and pool area.

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The carport area with the servant’s quarters above.

Fallingwater is the only major Wright work to come into the public domain with its setting, original furnishings and artwork intact.

If you are interested in other Wright designs, here are some I have visited. The Martin House, Graycliff and Kentuck Nob

What you should know:

• Restrooms are available at the Visitors Center

• There is ample free parking.

• You can purchase admission online or in person.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation.

• Guided tours are generally about an hour.

• You can explore the grounds and trails at your own pace.

• There is a cafe on the property.

• People are friendly and informative.

Location: 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464

For more information: Fallingwater

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