Healy Guest House

Paul Marvin Rudolph (1918-1997)
Healy Guest House (Cocoon House),
Siesta Key, Florida
Aerial perspective, 1950
Ink and acetate shading film on illustration board
Prints and Photographs Division
Bequest of Paul Rudolph, 1997 (141.12)
[ Digital ID# ppmsca-05605 ]

Famed architect Paul Rudolph gave credence to the modern movement's interpretation of space, form and light. He incorporated into his architecture many of the materials and technologies developed for the war effort. This drawing for the Healy Guest House is a wonderful example of Rudolph's innovativeness. In 1950, he received the American Institute of Architects Award of Merit for his work. Rudolph used piled supports to allow the base to extend over the water above the concrete foundation, giving it the appearance of floating on water. He used a tent-like fabric sprayed with saran vinyl plastic to prevent water seepage. The use of this material resulted in this structure being referred to as the "Cocoon House."