#43/Iconic Houses: Fallingwater + The Stahl House

US Modernist Radio - Architecture You Love

There are certain Modernist houses that just can’t be captured in a photo, a video, or even a 3D rendering. For example, Fallingwater in Pennsylvania is considered Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest residential work. It continues to attract millions of people, and in 1991 the AIA named Fallingwater the "best all-time work of American architecture." Denise Miner is Public Tour Supervisor at Fallingwater. She’s been associated with the house in some way almost all her life and has worked there as a guide for more than 30 years. Her grandfather and two uncles were part of Fallingwater’s construction and she is the Obiwan Kenobi of Fallingwater, training their team of wonderful guides.

However, there ain’t no party like a west coast party, and in LA there’s a house that’s not only iconic, it’s a true Hollywood movie celebrity. Former football player Buck Stahl created the vision for the Stahl House, also known as Case Study House 22, designed by Pierre Koenig. The two-bedroom house features a wraparound view from the mountains to the sea. It starred in countless movies and TV plus music videos for ATB and Wilson Phillips. In 2013 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shari Stahl Grunwald grew up in the home and administers the property with her brother Bruce.