The Milam Residence is an outstanding example of late modern architecture, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Designed by Paul Rudolph, one of the leading exponents of the Sarasota Modern style, the building impresses with its unique façade and geometric shapes, which not only serve an aesthetic but also a practical function. Completed in 1961, the residence has been honoured as one of the ‘Record Houses’ by Architectural Record magazine and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The Milam Residence owes its name to Arthur W. Milam, the philanthropist who commissioned the design of the house in 1961. Architect Paul Rudolph, known for designing innovative homes in Florida, created the residence as his final work in the region. The house has become one of the most recognisable examples of his work, appearing on the cover of the 2002 book Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses.
Seaward façade, 1963. photo by Joseph W. Molitor photos and Paul Rudolph Designs, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
In the 1960s, Milam married, which prompted Rudolph to design several additions, including a guest cottage, a three-car garage and a swimming pool. Years later, Milam Residence has become a focus for architecture enthusiasts and investors. In 2017 and 2020, the building was put up for sale and eventually purchased by architect Sheila Lee Davies, who planned a major refurbishment.
The residence is 637sqm in size and is situated on just under an acre of land, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. An example of Cubist architecture, the house is distinguished by its geometric facade made up of squares and rectangles. These forms not only give the building a unique appearance, but also serve a protective function by providing shade indoors.
One of Rudolph’s innovative solutions was the use of air conditioning, which allowed him to design the building without worrying about the harsh weather conditions found in Florida. The large floor-to-ceiling windows, which reflect light and wind, and the use of materials such as sand-coloured terrazzo, reflect the idea of blending the interior space with the environment, typical of the Sarasota Modern style.
The interior of the Milam residence is a space where every element is designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind. The building has been dubbed the ‘House of Seven Levels’ due to its unique interior layout, with numerous storage areas, different floor and ceiling levels. The interiors are spacious and parallel to the ocean line to take full advantage of the views and natural light. Lowered ceilings in some areas and raised ceilings in others create a dynamic effect that emphasises the elegance and modernity of the design.
The Milam Residence is one of Paul Rudolph’s most important works, which uniquely combines functionality with aesthetics. Its geometric form, innovative technical solutions and philosophy of combining the interior with nature ensure that the building remains not only an architectural masterpiece, but also an important part of Florida’s cultural heritage.
Source: paulrudolph.institute, archdaily.com
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