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people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #99,386 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★★
Less of a toy, more of a Lego showpiece
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.
December 2009 · Toys and Games · verified purchase