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14 Background On Fallingwaters Structure PDF
14 Background On Fallingwaters Structure PDF
The cantilever is the basis for Throughout his career, Wright advocated
Fallingwater's structure. Three the use of modern technology to create
horizontal trays made of reinforced new spaces that enhance a natural way
concrete form the three levels of the of life; in essence, re-connecting people
house, echoing the natural rock ledges with the natural world by using modern
beneath the house that jut out over Bear materials and methods.
Run. Think of a diving board. The board
extends out into space with no vertical The Cantilevered Reinforced-
support underneath its free end. At the Concrete Trays
pool's edge it rests on a support, or
fulcrum, and it is anchored, or The great sharp-edged rock ledges
counterbalanced, so that when you stand exposed at the waterfalls suggested to
on its free end, it does not fall into the Wright the possibility of similarly
water. Compare this to Fallingwater, extended, boldly proportioned horizontal
where four piers, or bolsters anchored floor units, cantilevered out in space like
into a boulder underneath the main floor the rocks themselves. These trays could
act as the fulcrum for the house. be built of reinforced concrete, uniting
Counterbalancing weight to the back, or the supple strength of steel rods with the
north side, of the house keep it from massive solidity of poured concrete. This
toppling into the stream. technique had begun to be mastered late
in the 19th century and Wright had
understood its possibilities with unusual
insight. Cantilevering can give shelter
without interrupting the space that
people see or traverse. Cantilevers
define without obstructing - a new liberty
for architecture.
Fallingwater is not the first house Wright Reinforced concrete is concrete poured
designed using cantilevers. From his around slender steel framework (which
prairie houses onward, he strove to can be given various shapes). When the
destroy the boxiness of rooms and concrete sets, the two materials work
houses: in opening up new vistas to their together to resist stress and strain; they
inhabitants and eliminating obstructions, form a strong fire resistant whole.
he created an atmosphere of freedom Correctly united, the materials will not
and repose. separate in use.