Jul 19, 2009 5 min read

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of stories by Robert Adamovich, a local architectural historian. The creator & host of HSTV’s “Historically Speaking” show, he’s also an award winning historical artist. He can be reached by phone at 724-439-3711. His Web site is www.Robert-Adamovich.com.) Everyone knows the whole, or otherwise known as the sum of its parts is more than the individual items alone. That is an undeniable mathematical fact. Although, when considering specific architectural elements of design of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece home known as Fallingwater, one could easily conclude the sum of its parts may actually be much greater than the whole.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s use of design details and features was not similar to such tried-and-true techniques as commonly practiced by other designers of the day.

Wright’s employment of similar and dissimilar shapes and their relationship with each other, long expansive views and subtle nuances was indeed quite remarkable.

In doing so, Wright was able to create architectural shapes and elements that are in perfect consonance with their spaces and of course nature to reflect an overall harmonious relationship and feel.

Undoubtedly, that was Wright’s intention, as it was quite important to him not only during the design phase, but during the actual construction of the home as well.

The first time I had an opportunity to visit Fallingwater, I was not only taken in by the overall design and its relationship with the surroundings, but also with specific details.

I must admit every time I return I notice even more. That being established, I very much look forward to my next visit to Fallingwater.

But, then again I know what will happen, I will want to discover and experience Fallingwater even more. Maybe that is the reason why so many people visit this architectural wonder again, and again, and again, and, of course, again.

What would eventually become one of the most remarkable homes in America originally was conceived only as a year-round weekend retreat house. Frank Lloyd Wright’s reference in a correspondence to E.J. Kaufman was to “the waterfall cottage at bear run.”

Fallingwater was actually the second home built on the site. At the time of construction, an existing two- story wood sided home known as “the Porter Cottage” stood where the guest wing is now. It remained on site until construction began on the guest wing.

The yellowish ochre color used on the exterior concrete structure was actually not the original color selection by Wright. He thought the concrete exterior elements should be painted in a gold leaf tone. Wright thought the color would transform a painted fall-like affect, like that of leaves.

The wonderful red color utilized on the exposed iron and metal at Fallingwater was chosen by Wright himself. Wright had sent an Indian pot to DuPont Paint Co. to use as an example of the color he had chosen and referred to it as “Cherokee Red.”

Frank Lloyd Wright spent less than two years in engineering school at Madison, Wisc., before beginning his career, originally working for James L. Silsbee and later at the office of Adler and Sullivan. When E.J. Kaufman introduced Wright at a function in Pittsburgh, he said, “American business men and women who realized from their own experience the value, or at least part of it, of what he had to give to them in spite of the lack of seals and red tape around his reputation.

Quotable quotes

“Fallingwater in its setting embodies a powerful ideal – that people today can learn to live in harmony with nature,” Edgar Kaufman Jr. at the visitor center in exhibition text.

“A building should grace its environment rather than disgrace it,” Frank Lloyd Wright to Hugh Downs, 1952.

Future features

Fayette County and western Pennsylvania are quite blessed in the fact that we have such a diverse array of wonderful architectural styles. Future articles will address some of those different architectural styles as well as different types of structures, not just homes. Do you or someone you know own a home or structure of specific or interesting style or history? If you would care to share your architectural gem and its story with others, please contact Robert at 724-439-3711 for consideration in an upcoming article

Closing thoughts

The western Pennsylvania Conservancy does a magnificent job in stewardship of Fallingwater at the Bear Run Nature Preserve. For more information, or to join, visit www.paconserve.org

. Even an individual membership includes a free visit to Fallingwater.

Free tours are offered to all Fayette County residents on Fridays, Sundays and Veterans Day weekend in November. Reservations are recommended.

I have had the oppportunity to visit Fallingwater on cloudy, miserable, rainy and perfectly sun-lit beautiful days, although the overall beauty of the home and its wonderful surroundings always shines through.

I must admit, I have always had a great time at Fallingwater, it is truly an inspirational place. I’m sure you will enjoy it as well.

As always, have a splendid day.