Welcome to the Archives of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation. The purpose of this online database is to function as a tool for scholars, students, architects, preservationists, journalists and other interested parties. The archive consists of photographs, slides, articles and publications from Rudolph’s lifetime; physical drawings and models; personal photos and memorabilia; and contemporary photographs and articles.

Unless otherwise noted, all images and drawings are copyright © The Estate of Paul Rudolph and The Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation. Please speak with a representative of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation to get permission to use any drawings or photos. Drawings, sketches and other materials produced by Rudolph’s architectural office at the Library of Congress are maintained there for preservation, but the intellectual property rights belong to the Paul Rudolph Estate and Ernst Wagner, founder of the Paul Rudolph Heritage Foundation.

LOCATION
Address: 104 Hemlock Drive
City: Auburn
State: Alabama
Zip Code: 36832
Nation: United States

STATUS
Type: Housing
Status: Demolished

TECHNICAL DATA
Date(s): 1961-1963
Site Area:
Floor Area: 11,000 s.f.
Height:
Floors (Above Ground):
Building Cost: $200,000 (1962)

PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Client: Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Beta-Eta Chapter
Architect: Paul Rudolph
Associate Architect:
Landscape:
Structural:
MEP:
QS/PM:

SUPPLIERS
Contractor:
Subcontractor(s):

Kappa Sigma Fraternity House

Rudolph is a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in architecture at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn University’s former name. The Beta-Eta chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity was originally founded on January 20, 1900 at Auburn University.
Rudolph’s first design was for a seven-level house is rejected by the University on the grounds that it is too radical and impractical. Rudolph flies to Auburn to defend his design. When the board objects to the house being so different from anything on campus, Rudolph replies “It will be if I design it!”
The third design, with three-levels, is finally approved and constructed.
According to published articles, the house reflects Rudolph’s design of “space cavity relationships.”
The is no steel in building, which is composed of pilasters of concrete and brick. Rudolph takes full responsibility for the design before the contractor will begin construction.
Three Barcelona chairs with chrome bases and dark, brick-red natural leather cushions (noted at $600 a piece) are donated by Rudolph as a highlight of the building’s interior. Cantilevered couches on opposite walls match the leather of the chairs.
Carpet throughout the second level is a “rich royal blue.” The den is painted a “lustrous green.” Double swinging doors open into the 80-100 person dining hall which is painted paprika. One newspaper article notes “it looks like the pepper tastes.”
The dining room, kitchen and bath are the only rooms in the entire house which are not carpeted wall-to-wall.
The narrow hallways are painted the same paprika as the dining room according to newspaper reports, to “keep boys from gathering in the hall and disturb those who want to study.”
The sleeping rooms fit 2 persons each, with alternating walls of paprika or blue.
Construction is originally due to be complete on September 1, 1962.
When completed, it is the second largest fraternity house on campus.
The house is demolished on October 31, 2016.