Paul Rudolph produced a series of simplified initial concept drawings for a single-story, two-bedroom, open plan rectangle with a platform floor lifted above grade and with a porch section cantilevered over the adjacent lagoon.

With no interior load-bearing walls, the suspended catenary roof would be supported by tensioned steel straps fastened along the base of the structure.

[3][4] The roof, itself, would be constructed of flexible ceiling panels sprayed with saran-vinyl compounds developed by the military during World War II.

[6] The longitudinal walls on both sides would be entirely constructed of a series of wooden jalousie blinds that could be closed for privacy and protection, or opened for a near-360 degree view.

He was familiar with the materials required construction of modern structures, such as poured concrete, steel beams, metal straps, tensioning rods, and guy wires.

When window contractors approached Rudolph regarding the structural continuity of frameless glazing, the architect dismissively retorted "The glass will stiffen it up.

[11][16] Among architectural scholars, the radical design of the Cocoon House is ranked among the greatest modern works of the period.

[22] Despite being the first building to give national recognition to architect Paul Rudolph, he considered the project a failure, "It was okay on the outside, but the interior was not successful.

At the turn of the millennium, there was a resurgence in interest in the landmark and a major conservation effort restored the house to its original condition.