Wright described this 1930s home as one of the great blessings to be experienced here on earth.
Inspired by the architect’s desire to integrate human-made structures into the natural world, Fallingwater typifiesorganic architecture.
What is organic architecture?
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith viaWikimedia CommonsPublic Domain)
Wright coined the term organic architecture in the early 20th century.
This philosophy guided the ins-and-outs of Wright’s entire creative process.
Wright reportedly designed the home in a single morning in 1935.
Nevertheless, they trusted Wright, who reassured them with a philosophical promise.
Fallingwater’s facade also showcases Wright’s meaningful approach to materials.
The external walls are composed of locally quarried Pottsville sandstone and reinforced concrete.
This concrete concoction, in turn, is made up of cement, sand, and rounded river gravel.
These thoughtful aesthetic decisions essentially camouflage the dwelling.
After all, as Wright claimed, a building should grace its environment rather than disgrace it.
Bringing the Outdoors Inside
Wright also designed Fallingwater’s interior with nature in mind.
At the center of the home is a sandstone fireplace built around two unmoved boulders.
All accents are painted Cherokee red, a burnt crimson color reminiscent of lumber.
Similarly, the floors are stone and the walls are covered in unwaxed cork.
Large, corner-less windows welcome the natural environment into the house as well as enticing its inhabitants out.
Fallingwater houses 170 decorative art pieces designed by Wright that channel the outdoors through both look and feel.
Now a museum, the site welcomes eager architectural fans from all over the world.
