Frank Lloyd Wright
Fallingwater materials: original work and later conservation
A material history becomes clearer when original fabric, historical specification and replacement work are recorded separately.
A historical paint selection
Lynda Waggoner’s published narrative identifies Cemelith waterproof cement paint, made by Super Concrete Emulsions, selected in August 1937 in a light ocher colour. This is a dated historical record, not a specification for the paint currently on the house.
An assembly that needs care
The Conservancy describes walnut veneer over marine-grade plywood and the effects of moisture on that assembly. Its later report discusses repairing deteriorated shellac. Those accounts establish conservation activity; they do not prove that every surface retains its first finish.
Later glass, continuing purpose
Vitro identifies Starphire Ultra-Clear glass and a SentryGlas interlayer in the 2019 window and door work. Comparing these records with the original material history reveals continuity of architectural intention without pretending that all components are unchanged.
The research behind the guide
Sources & further reading.
Follow the original project accounts and evidence for the details discussed here.
View 4 source references
Sources & evidence
- Wiley — Color Planning for Interiors, Fallingwater narrative, printed page 15
Cemelith by Super Concrete Emulsions was chosen in August 1937; light ocher colour.
- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy — Fallingwater maintenance
Marine-grade plywood under walnut veneer and conservation of the assembly.
- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy — Fallingwater conservation
Wright-designed furniture uses plywood veneered in North Carolina black walnut; conservation responds to humidity.
- Vitro — Fallingwater window restoration
2019 window/door work; replacement Starphire Ultra-Clear glass with Kuraray SentryGlas; earlier Waterwhite no longer made.
What the sources do not establish
- Current exterior coating and the complete replacement history of every pane and furnishing are not established.
Research checked 2026-11-02 · Editorial policy & corrections