Paul Rudolph’s Fieldstone Fullam House: Bucks County Modern Landmark

The Fullam residence in Bucks County was designed by Paul Rudolph for John and Alice Fullam. It stands as a landmark in mid-20th-century architecture.

This blog post explores how the house blends Rudolph’s design language with a fieldstone presence. It also highlights the house’s transitional role between his Florida-inspired light-filled volumes and later Brutalist forms.

The home has been carefully restored with a modern energy focus to preserve its character and value.

Architectural significance and design language

The house was commissioned by a Harvard-connected couple who wanted a retreat connected to the landscape. The design centers on a two-story great room with a large glass façade.

This is Rudolph’s only known fieldstone residence. It marks a transition between his Florida-style homes and the heavier concrete Brutalism that defined his later work at Yale.

The overhanging roof shades the interiors in summer and allows low winter sun to warm the rear wall. This passive-solar feature shows Rudolph’s early interest in climate-conscious design.

Later owner Eric Wolff appreciated this approach, highlighting the building’s lasting relevance.

Design features and layout

Several features define the Fullam residence’s architectural identity. The layout encourages social life and connects indoor and outdoor spaces.

Crafted stone details and built-in features show Rudolph’s attention to materials and space.

• Two-story great room with a glass façade opening to the landscape
• Pleated “Googie” roof form for a dynamic silhouette
• Open dining area that appears to float above the living room
• Front and back decks that extend the interior outdoors
• Built-in shelving and storage by Rudolph
• Fieldstone walls and tactile materials crafted with on-site work by the Fuller family
• Omission of one wing to meet a modest budget

The mix of glass, stone, timber, and a modern roof line creates a space that feels both intimate and expansive. The fieldstone anchors the house to its hillside, while glass walls blend the interior with the outdoors.

The floating dining area and the roof’s massing give the residence a sense of material honesty and spatial clarity.

Restoration, preservation, and legacy

In 2014, Eric Wolff acquired the house and worked with architect John Wolstenholme on a careful restoration. The project earned an AIA commendation and led to National Register listing.

Restoration included upgrading the windows to triple-pane glass and improving energy efficiency. The integrity of Rudolph’s stonework and the Rudolph furniture collection was preserved.

The Fullams lived in the house from its completion until 2007. They valued its strong connection to nature, family life, and the craftsmanship of its stonework.

This living history adds to the home’s value as a mid-century modern example. The house remains relevant to today’s conversations about sustainable design and regional identity.

Market status and enduring appeal

Listed at $5.85 million, the four-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence sits on 26 acres. It features a tennis court and benefits from low annual taxes.

This blend of architectural significance and practical rural amenities creates a unique offering for buyers. The property appeals to those seeking both design excellence and seclusion in Bucks County.

Architects and collectors are drawn to Rudolph’s approach to light, mass, and materials. The home also offers potential for adaptation to future energy standards and changing living patterns.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Paul Rudolph’s Fieldstone Fullam House in Bucks County