Constructed from 1935 until 1937, Frank Lloyd Wright’s House on a Waterfall-Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Edgar J. Kaufmann House is at once highly-functional, and aesthetically-pleasing. Its cantilevered stone slabs lend the house a naturalistic “feel”, as it appears to be a part of the slowly-descending waterfall. Upon initial viewing, it appears to defy gravity because of the cantilevered slabs. Not only does the design echo simple, horizontal Japanese lines and forms, but it supplements the rocky terrain, adding an earthy, harmonizing element to the overall aesthetic (moma, 2004, internet). Functionally, it is somewhat unsettling that the cantilevered stone, reinforced (concrete) slabs extend over the rocky waterfall below (PPT, 2016, internet). Moreover, the staircase is located directly over the waterfall, as well (moma, 2004, internet). These design features add an edginess to the work, as one wonders if the structure is sound enough to withstand weight, without collapsing. Nonetheless, its first impression – one of harmony with its surrounding beauty – is the most important.
Structurally, the house comprises three stories, and is built atop the flowing stream, lending it a flowing dynamism that blends in with the cascading waterfall below. On the interior, it makes good use of incoming sunlight on the far side of the large, open living room. However, the balance of light and shadow appears to be off-kilter, as the room is too long for sunlight to penetrate completely. Its cantilevered concrete slabs give it an earthy appearance, but their sheer weight causes one to wonder about their structural integrity.
The materials of Fallingwater are mostly concrete, glass, and bedrock. The walls are made from bedrock stones joined with mortar, and appear to bear the house’s weight evenly, yet the slabs appear as if they are parts of a sandwich, contributing to the overall strength of the house. Thus, stone and concrete slabs play integral parts in demarcating the living space within the horizontal structure.
In terms of context, Fallingwater appears to rise from nowhere, as if it is the source of the waterfall itself. Such a context gives it a flowing feeling, especially as the cantilevered slabs extend over the waters, and appear as if they are a part of the landscape (moma, 2004, internet). Thus, little effort needs to be made to landscape the exterior, as “Mother Nature” has already taken care of that element. Indeed, the house fits squarely into its “socket”, giving one the impression that it somehow owns that space – in a naturalistic sense.
With respect to space, the living quarters appear cramped due to the immense size of the slabs. Hence, the larger, interior spaces lack a sense of openness, which counters the openness of the flowing waters. The interior appears as oppressive as the weight of the slabs would suggest. Moreover, the slabs seem to block, or prevent, a much-needed airiness to the overall structure. Thus, while their intention may have been quite the opposite, the design appears cramped in some respects.
Finally, Fallingwater offers visitors a chance to see how man, nature, and houses can interact in a dynamic, yet balanced and harmonic manner. Also, the functionality and aesthetic are robust, as well as refined, as the building is highly-influenced by Japanese building motifs. The building is a striking use of materials in a conservative, yet eloquently simple manner. Somehow, these materials work together, although one may wonder how a structure of such proportions could stand a considerable load, not to mention the elements as well. Overall, Fallingwater is a work that invites a peaceful contemplation because of its relaxing context, and its interconnectivity with the surrounding environment. Fallingwater is not only a functional structure, but it boasts aesthetic appeal, in every sense of the word.
References
Module 4 Lecture Outline. (2016). (n.p.). Architecture. PPT Presentation, slides 1-24.
Wright, Frank Lloyd. (n.p.). (2004). Retrieved on 27 Mar, 2016 from https://www.moma.org/momaorg/shared/pdfs/moma_learning/docs/CL_4.pdf
