PROJECT PROFILE: Fallingwater
Location
Mill Run, Pennsylvania
Description
Fallingwater is one of the most recognized examples of modern architecture in the world. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this vacation home for Edgar Kaufmann in 1935. It has been open for public tours since 1963 when it was gifted by Edgar Kaufman Jr. to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. A major preservation campaign, starting with investigative field research in 1995, culminated in 2003 with the successful structural stabilization of the cantilevered terraces and installation of custom waterproofing systems.
Scope of Project
Replicate exterior staircase:
- Before starting construction, WEI diverted the stream to allow access to the stairway and cheek wall, both of which descend below the surface of the water. Because this house is within a natural conservation area, great care was taken to divert the water in a manner that created the minimal disturbance for the surrounding land.
- The existing damaged staircase was documented and removed, due to the extensive deterioration.
- WEI furnished and installed a new stainless steel stair structure and reconstructed the concrete steps, replicating the original exactly, down to the curve in the steps.
Rebuild field stone cheek wall:
- All field stones in the wall were catalogued in place, then removed and stored.
- A new concrete foundation was poured to support the wall.
- The wall was reconstructed, installing each stone in its original location.
- At the end of work, the stream was returned to its original course.
Additional Information
Owner: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
www.fallingwater.org
