Paul Rudolph’s 1953 project in Sarasota: known as the “Umbrella House,” it is one of the most famous of his designs from the Florida phase of his career. Photograph by Francis Dzikowski, Archives of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation
Who wouldn’t dream to…
live in a famous example of the “Sarasota School”
own a design that is one of the landmarks of Paul Rudolph’s career
wake-up every day in a house that’s sensitively and creatively designed for the environment
Well, you could have! In the archives of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation, we have a clipping of an ad from not-that-long ago: in 2005, you had your opportunity to fulfill your dream…
The ad’s copyrwriter was so right about the building’s significance and features.
The ad reads:
Parcel 6570 — Architectural Digest calls Paul Rudolph’s creation "one of the top five most remarkable houses from the 20th century." This auction represents a unique opportunity for the astute collector to purchase arguably the finest example of modern residential architecture still in private hands. Paul Rudolph’s UMBRELLA HOUSE, the pinnacle residence of the Sarasota School, is a superbly restored gem located only minutes from downtown Sarasota and Longboat Key. In Rudolph's signature style, the horizontal articulation of the house results in nine distinct levels. The house is elevated more than a foot off the ground on all sides creating a floating effect against the lush, tropical landscape. All of this and a location steps from the water in one of Florida's coveted communities surrounded by other examples of complementing architecture.
We’ve written an extensive article on Rudolph’s “Umbrella House”, giving its full background, and an architectural analysis—and also our website’s project page for the building has a wealth of photos and other information on it.
And who, upon going out, wouldn’t want to be greeted with this:
Photograph by Francis Dzikowski, Archives of the Paul Rudolph Foundation
And upon re-entering, who wouldn’t want to enjoy residing in this superb Modern interior:
Photograph by Francis Dzikowski, Archives of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation
Not to mention the cache of living in an acknowledged landmark:
On 2/4/2019 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
But, even before that, it was designated a landmark by the city Sarasota:
Photo: Kelvin Dickinson, Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation Archives
Too late! The Umbrella House was sold—and we can only envy the happy owners.
BUT IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
Another example of Rudolph’s residential work IS available:
the MILAM RESIDENCE—a significant home which achieved international recognition.
Architectural Record featured the house in it’s 1963 Record Houses issue. This is the opening page of the article about the house—and the layout featured a photo by Ezra Stoller. Image courtesy of: US Modernist Library of 20th century architectural journals.
If you’re interested in learning more about this distinguished house in Ponte Verda Beach, Florida, please contact:
Mr. Robert C. Champion (904) 755-4785 robertchampion@bellsouth.net