Where is Casa da Cascata? Discover the famous house

You will fall in love with Casa da Cascata!

I could start this content by saying that it is special for architecture fans and enthusiasts. 

But I know that even those who are not so connected to this area will enjoy learning a little more about Casa da Cascata.

And if you don't know it yet, this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about this famous house.

Where is it? What is its history? Who lives there? What is the estimated value of Casa da Cascata? 

Here you will learn more about this house that is considered by many to be a true work of art!

What is Cascade House?

If you still don't know or have never heard of Casa da Cascata, you don't know what you're missing!

Have you ever imagined living in a house that was built next to a waterfall? That idea seems kind of impossible, right?

But believe me, this type of house exists, and it is very famous, by the way!

Casa da Cascata is a property that, as its name suggests, was built right on a waterfall.

And the project behind this property – which we will talk about throughout the text – was designed precisely to integrate nature with the property.

This was the main reason why Casa da Cascata became a building known throughout the world.

Where is the Cascade House?

The Waterfall House was built in Mill Run, a city in Pennsylvania, in the United States.

Because it is a small city – when compared to others in the region – Casa da Cascata has become a kind of tourist attraction in the area.

Visitors from all over the world travel to the city to see the famous house that was built next to a waterfall up close.

What is the story behind Casa da Cascata?

And of course, such a unique house had to have a whole story behind it, right? 

Created by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the project was completed in 1934. 

Commissioned by businessman Edgar J. Kaufmann and his wife, Liliane, the project took about 4 years to complete.

In the meantime, the project faced some problems due to the constant flow of water, such as leaks. But this did not discourage the couple and the architect.

Completed in 1938, the house was known for its bold design. And its fame came exactly the year it was finished.

In 1938, the house appeared on the cover of Time magazine, which highlighted the project as architect Frank Wright's most beautiful work.

But, despite the fame, the fate of the family that lived in the house was not good at all.

Although the project was a success, in 1957, Liliane committed suicide in the house. And, 3 years later, Edgar also passed away.

This meant that the house was passed on to Edgar Jr., the couple's son. 

The controversy surrounding Casa da Cascata

Even though it is a highly praised project among admirers of architecture and grand projects like these, Casa da Cascata is far from being unanimous.

Throughout its existence, the house has become the center of several controversies and discussions. 

Among them, the majority had as their main point the impact that a construction of this size could have on the local flora and fauna.

Even though the project was designed with the waterfall in mind and how it would fit into the house, many nature advocates believe that this type of project could cause damage to nature in the long term.

Interesting facts about Casa da Cascata

In addition to the controversies surrounding Casa da Cascata, another aspect of this building attracts a lot of attention: the curiosities.

With such an audacious project, it is only natural that it would result in several curiosities. And it is about some of them that we will talk about in this topic.

The costs involved in building a house

The first thought many people have after learning more about Casa da Cascata is: how much did this ambitious and unique project cost?

Therefore, it is only fair that we begin this topic of curiosities by talking a little more about the costs of building a house.

At the time it was built – more than 80 years ago – the total cost was around US$155,000. 

This amount would have been divided as follows: the largest part – something around US$$ 75 thousand – was allocated to the house itself.

US$ 22 thousand for finishing the project and purchasing furniture.

US$ 50 thousand for the construction of other places, such as a garage, guest house and accommodation for the employees who worked there

And finally, US$1,400 was used to pay the fees of the architect responsible for the project.

Taking into account the entire period that has passed since the construction of the house until today, these costs – taking inflation into account – have already exceeded US$1.4 billion.

If we stop to think about it, this value – US$1.4T 2.5 million – is very close to what is expected from a construction of this magnitude.

How is the house currently used?

Despite being a residence for a certain period – between 1937 and 1963 – Casa da Cascata has not been inhabited since then.

The house was donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. And in 1964, the Cascade House was opened to the public as a museum.

How many people have visited Casa da Cascata?

Remember what I mentioned at the beginning of the text about the tourist movement that occurs in the city due to this house? 

Since it was opened to the public – becoming a kind of museum – Casa da Cascata has received more than 6 million visitors.

And, currently, even after so much time since its inauguration as a museum, the property receives more than 120 thousand visitors per year.

It’s no wonder that it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the region, right?

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