One of the highlights of my recent road trip was a stop at the Edward J. Kaufmann house, better known as Fallingwater. It's one of Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic designs and totally worth the trip--even if you're not a design geek like me. I visited Oak Park during my trip to Chicago a few years ago and knew that my visit to Western PA would not be complete without seeing Fallingwater in person.
The concrete cantilevered design that floats over the river definitely inspires awe. Sure, there have been issues with mold and sagging. But in an age of McMansions, where houses are built to within inches of property lines and festooned with hideous metal work, it's so refreshing to see a home that integrates itself with the surroundings. Fallingwater is so special because every aspect of the house was built to showcase and appreciate the beautiful landscape.
The indoor/outdoor garden
The owner asked Mr. Wright to design around the existing boulder.
The house may come off as cold and unwelcoming, but it is absolutely built for parties. Two pools, multiple levels of outside space and an open floor plan make the vacation house ideal for entertaining. The statue here is by Frida Kahlo, a friend of the Kaufmanns a frequent guest at Fallingwater.
I managed to get a few shots of the interior space, too. I'll share those in an upcoming entry.
I managed to get a few shots of the interior space, too. I'll share those in an upcoming entry.
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