Mid-Century Modern Home Restored to Coastal Living Standards
A 1955 Paul Rudolph design blends historic preservation with modern safety in Florida.
1Discovery of original plans
The renovation began when the owners found a red velvet bag containing 1950s photographs and Paul Rudolph's hand-drawn plans in a closet. This discovery shaped the entire six-year project, with the mandate to honor Rudolph's original tropical modernist design regardless of difficulty or cost. The 1,600-square-foot home's steel structure was rehabilitated and raised to meet current coastal flooding standards.
2Architectural preservation challenges
The primary challenge wasn't the design but reconciling the 1955 structure with modern hurricane codes. The team preserved the original layout of two bedrooms and bathrooms while adding a contemporary glass pavilion suspended on steel columns. Exposed beams and jalousie windows maintain Rudolph's aesthetic while allowing Atlantic breezes to circulate through the space.
3Innovative structural solution
A two-story glass-enclosed breezeway serves as both architectural hinge and modern addition, linking the original residence to new spaces. This area contains a high-end kitchen, powder room, two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The design physically demonstrates Nina Marco's philosophy that historic properties should be lived in, not just preserved behind glass.
4Reinterpretation of original concepts
The owners enclosed the space beneath the elevated steel structure (originally an open-air area) with sliding glass panels, realizing a concept found in Rudolph's drawings. This created a transparent ground floor serving as the home's primary living space. Outside, lush landscaping and a contoured pool reintroduce mid-century style to modern coastal living.
5Material authenticity
The renovation used 1950s-prominent materials like Italian oyster-pebble terrazzo, aluminum, and natural stone - chosen specifically because they age well in coastal climates. Family heirlooms and vintage Lalique glassware complement original photographs of the home throughout the space. Exterior Extra White paint highlights the steel beams' sculptural qualities.
6Color palette integration
The home's color story blends sand, sea, and sky tones to recede into the landscape. Warm neutrals and natural wood textures soften interior spaces. This restrained palette allows Rudolph's architectural vision to remain focal while accommodating modern living needs. Every material was selected for both aesthetic and functional longevity.
7Philosophy of living preservation
Nina Marco emphasizes that historic properties should be "lived in, walked through, and built upon with the same care they were given the first time." This approach guided decisions to modernize systems while preserving Rudolph's design integrity. The renovation maintains the home's cultural significance while making it functional for contemporary coastal living.
8Cultural legacy preservation
For the owners, reconstructing this Paul Rudolph original represents more than architecture - it's about safeguarding cultural history. Their six-year effort ensures the home can be appreciated by future generations while maintaining its 1950s character. The project stands as a model for balancing historic preservation with modern livability in coastal environments.