Customer Reviews

LEGO Architecture Fallingwater (21005)

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First things first, this isn't really a "traditional" Lego set: while all the pieces are things you'd recognize from 25 years ago, the set is clearly aimed at a much older audience. The box even states its recommended for 16+. I'm 30, a big fan of architecture and I've always enjoyed Legos (but hadn't bought a set in over a decade), so when I heard this set had been created I leaped at the chance to place it in my new home. I'm not disappointed.

When constructed, the structure isn't big: the base measures 10" x 5" and its 4.5" high, but its quite complex (more complex than the sets I remember as a kid) and feels substantial when completed. There are well over 800 pieces and approximately 100 pages of instructions. The instruction book also includes a few short essays on Frank Lloyd Wright and Fallingwater. The assembly instructions are well done and putting it together took several hours but no confusion.

You can't tell by looking at it, but the structure is actually designed to come apart: the house is in several pieces that stack on top of each other and then slide into the base; this ability to do a blow-up diagram lets you examine some of the forms that were used in the structure. Of course, you can't expect this set to be a very precise reproduction of the actual landmark, but it definitely captures its essence.

The set uses only a handful of colors that seem inspired by the colors Wright would use in some of his sketches --it gives the completed piece a very mature look. Once it was done I placed it on a shelf next to various books on architecture and modern sculptures. This is a very substantial piece when fully constructed, and if it got your attention like it did mine, I think you'll be satisfied with it.

With over 800 pieces, this Lego set is great fun to put together. This is the first of three Lego Architecture set I've gotten this year - and it was by far the most fun to put together - plus it looks great. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes Lego and Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guggenheim Lego set is also fun, but it took a fraction of the time to finish. As far as missing pieces go, that wasn't a problem. Plus you can get replacement pieces from Lego through their website.

This was a Father's Day gift for my husband. He loves architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright and Legos, so it was the perfect combination. He loved the set, and we had fun putting it together. However, I was surprised at how small the end structure is. The size is in the description, but it still is quite small when all assembled. It's hard to believe so many pieces can go into such a small building. Regardless, it's a nice set to have and we look forward to buying other sets from this collection of Legos.

I got this for my son as an end of year award for making the honor roll for the whole year, and placing 2nd in his class for Advanced Reading. He loves Lego's and couldn't wait for it to arrive. Once it arrived, he disappeared into his room for about 2 1/2 hours, when he came back out he had it completed. The educational value was not simply based on building, but his curiosity let him to search the internet to learn about the actual structure and the architect that designed it.

I gave this set to my boyfriend right before a three day power outage occurred, so we had plenty of quality time to work on it together. Both of us having grown up with legos, we were pleased at the complexity of the kit. We also enjoyed the fact it had no "new" pieces, just the basic shapes; it gave the finished product a nice fluidity. We were also surprised with the three tier setup the kit had, a very nice feature. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a more complex kit, or anyone interested in architecture.

My nine year old is smart and patient, so I bought the Fallingwater Lego Set for him despite the fact that it's recommended for 16 years old and up. I was concerned that he might get overwhelmed with the large number of pieces or frustrated with the painstaking assembly process, but he thoroughly enjoyed building it, because the fully-illustrated, 101-page instruction manual is very sensibly laid out. It took him five hours to complete, and it gave us the opportunity to study and discuss together the impact that Frank Lloyd Wright's work had in general, and this masterpiece in particular. We are planning to visit the home, which is now owned and managed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. It was interesting to see what some of the "funny-looking" pieces turned out to be for: decking, stones in the river, supports for the cantilevered second floor.

The family who commissioned this house used to picnic on a rock overlooking the waterfall on their property and the master architect, himself, designed a house around that very rock and even designed some of the furnishings.

This is pricey, and I'm not sure how long it will remain on display, but I consider it to be a worthwhile project. My son says it is one of the best things he has made, and that is good enough for me.

Great set for FLR fans as well as lego fans. A little bit pricey for what you get, but it does include a nice little book on Falling Water.

Received as a present for my 30th birthday. I had a blast constructing this model. There is nothing more satisfying than opening each one of those little plastic bags of parts and starting to build.

The design of the model is nice because of the removable sections. A lot of thought was put into the design of this model.

I also love all of the tan, green and clear pieces.

Set is expensive, but for someone like me who loves architecture (especially FLW) and LEGO, this is a win-win.

One design feature I dislike: the bridge over the creek seems to be too high. There is a two plate step-up that isn't consistent with the rest of the model. I will be modifying the model to make the bridge more flush with the rest of the model.

I openly admit I have a bias for Lego's Architecture series. I am an architectural photographer and I am very passionate about architecture and the work I do. So I was thrilled when I first heard that Lego was going to be doing these sets. When I saw Falling Water released, my jaw dropped. I did my senior thesis on Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and Falling Water has always been my favorite. I have visited it 6 times in total and it never gets old. Its nothing short of brilliant. Anyways, I ordered Falling Water the second it was released. I purchased 2 sets, one to build and one to leave unopened.

As for the set itself, its amazing. It easily ranks in my top 5 Lego sets in regards to how fun it was to put it together. At over 800 pieces its enough to keep you busy for awhile. The finished product is really quite stunning. One of my favorite aspects to these sets is they are a blast to shoot pictures of especially if you shoot large format. Shifting perspective by throwing the back standard out of whack really yields some spectacular results with smaller objects. These Lego sets are perfect for such a technique. I spent a full week shooting this set and got some of my best Lego pictures yet.

Bottom line - This is easily one of the best idea's Lego has ever had, creating Lego sets for famous architecture around the world. If you know someone who is into architecture then these will make a great gift. If they are into Frank Lloyd Wright than this becomes a MUST have set. Overall the set was a blast to put together and it looks amazing when its complete. Its amazing, simply amazing. Way to go Lego! Keep em coming!

5 Stars and then some!!

First off, kudos to the creator of this piece for capturing a tremendously complex structure in the Lego medium. Not only was he able to create a remarkably accurate replica, but was also able to give us the slide-out/interior view which adds so much to the experience. I've been to Fallingwater twice, and like all good architecture, it's difficult for the average person to easily visualize how all the rooms/floors relate to one another. This model gives you the spatial orientation and interactivity that drawings, pictures and floorplans just can't capture.

The building experience was typical Lego: simple and solid. Seeing the main house slide into the base is really cool. In my opinion, appropriate for 7-8yo+.

My only criticism: I wish the colors were more lifelike. The beige captures the real color of the terraces well, but most of the vertical surfaces are layered stone, and I would think that the designer could have captured that with Legos. Also, I wish the distinction between home and surroundings was slightly more clear. Of course, unity of structure and site was FLW's signature, but the beige rocks/landscape are just too blah for my taste. I think if the landscape was less beige, the water would stand out more and the whole piece would be a bit more realistic.

Overall, a wonderful piece - I'll be first in line for a 2nd edition if they ever decide to make one! I really hope Lego releases more in the Architecture series.