1. Fallingwater stands as one of Wright's greatest masterpieces both for its
dynamism and for its integration with the striking natural surroundings. The
extent of Wright's genius in integrating every detail of this design can only
be hinted at in photographs. This organically designed private residence
was intended to be a nature retreat for its owners. The house is well-
known for its connection to the site: it is built on top of an active waterfall
which flows beneath the house. The fireplace hearth in the living room is
composed of boulders found on the site and upon which the house was
built — one set of boulders which was left in place protrudes slightly
through the living room floor. Wright had initially intended that these
boulders would be cut flush with the floor, but this had been one of the
Kaufmann family's favorite sunning spots, so Mr. Kaufmann insisted that it
be left as it was. The stone floors are waxed, while the hearth is left plain,
giving the impression of dry rocks protruding from a stream.
Integration with the setting extends even to small details. For example,
where glass meets stone walls, there is no metal frame; rather, the glass is
caulked directly to the stone. There are stairways directly down to the
water. And in the "bridge" that connects the main house to the guest and
servant building, a natural boulder drips water inside, which is then
directed back out. Bedrooms are small, some even with low ceilings,
perhaps to encourage people outward toward the open social areas,
decks, and outdoors.
The active stream (which can be heard constantly throughout the house),
immediate surroundings, and locally quarried stone walls and cantilevered
terraces (resembling the nearby rock formations) are meant to be in
harmony, in line with Wright's interest in making buildings that were more

2. "organic" and which thus seemed to be more engaged with their
surroundings. Although the waterfall can be heard throughout the house, it
can't be seen without going outside. The design incorporates broad
expanses of windows and the balconies are off main rooms giving a sense
of the closeness of the surroundings. The experiential climax of visiting the
house is an interior staircase leading down from the living room allowing
direct access to the rushing stream beneath the house.