Unfolding the Eichler Design

Table Of Content

• Joseph Eichler – Father of California Midcentury-Modern Housing
• From Orchards to Eichler Homes
• Never-Before-Seen Images of Iconic Midcentury Modern Eichler Homes
• The Wonderful World of Eichler Homes
• The Beginnings: From Dairy Salesman to Real Estate Developer
• Organic Designer Inspires New Art Space
• Get alerted about new Eichler listings in East Bay!
• Eichler Mid Century Modern House Plans

The updating and improvements would have been left to the building of new homes. That said, I would like to think that he would have evolved, and being the businessperson that he was, at some point would acquiesce and have an offering to do modest improvements such as kitchen and bath updates. Unlike most of the 'Eichlers' found in Palo Alto, the one which Gustave Carlson and the project team worked on is unique. Built in 1971, and located in the hills of Palo Alto on a flag lot that backs into what is now a golf course, this 'Eichler' was custom-commissioned by John S. Lynd, an architect and personal friend of Joseph Eichler. The residence was built by renowned developer Joseph E. Eichler in 1963 and has been restored with great attention to detail.

Joseph Eichler – Father of California Midcentury-Modern Housing

The early Eichler homes with enclosed front courtyards were followed by homes centered on glass-sided, open-air atriums, then by larger ones with central galleries and spacious all-purpose rooms with skylights. Imagine Post-World War II America as servicemen returned to civilian life and started settling into new homes. The approval of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – or the G.I.

From Orchards to Eichler Homes

Anshen was also an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright and many of the modernists of the early 20th century. After getting to know Eichler and his affinity for modern architecture, Anshen asked him why he was selling homes that were not modern. This question sparked a change that would alter the trajectory of the housing industry in America.

Never-Before-Seen Images of Iconic Midcentury Modern Eichler Homes

The property is abundant with quintessential mid-century modern aesthetics. From the first prefabricated home in 1947 to filing for bankruptcy in 1966, let’s learn more about the history of these influential houses. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and a large island with seating for four people. Stainless steel appliances and a built-in buffet are two other new additions to the home. Other updated features include LVT flooring, solar panels, new roof, 200 amp panel, new interior doors and more.

As you walk in, the front door guides you to the breathtaking atrium accented by lush plants. You can also find Eichlers in Marin, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara Counties. To better understand why the houses are iconic, here are a few exemplary Eichler homes showcasing the style’s distinctive features.

The Beginnings: From Dairy Salesman to Real Estate Developer

Photos: Mid-century modern-style Eichler home in San Jose listed for $2.3 million - The Mercury News

Photos: Mid-century modern-style Eichler home in San Jose listed for $2.3 million.

Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

As the demand for houses soared, developers were speedily building boxy, one-story or split-level single-family homes that were practical and well constructed – but lacking in architectural creativity and memorable features. By the mid-1940s, Eichler had become intrigued by modernist design and in particular one of the creations of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who had designed the Bazett house (Hillsborough, California), a home by Eichler during World War II. Triggered by Wright's inspiration, Eichler began to fashion a vision short on homebuilding acumen, yet long on modernist aesthetics and his own iron will. Beginning in 1949, when it was still uncommon to find merchant builders engaged with architects, Eichler became engrossed with building communities of homes characterized by both flair and affordability.

His dream home is a small, modern, and minimalist forested home where he can hear the wind blowing at night. If you own an Eichler or want to incorporate mid-century modern design into your home, read on for design and renovation tips straight from the experts. Today, Eichler’s are still considered quality homes and attract buyers who want to live the mid-century lifestyle.

After living in a San Francisco home built by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Joseph Eichler fell in love with modern design. He also saw the benefits of low-cost, easy-to-build housing and wanted to improve the design and building quality while keeping it accessible to everyone. Eichler founded the Eichler Homes company and worked with Modernist architect Robert Anshen to design the first Eichlers. The first homes were prefabricated for owners to build on their lots, but he wasn’t satisfied with that approach and decided on planned, affordable communities instead.

This circa-1958 Eichler in Silicon Valley makes a mesmerizing first impression with its combination of ipe wood and neon-yellow resin. A garden, courtesy of landscape designer Bernard Trainor, fosters the illusion of more space. Building Lab connected this home’s patio to the living and bedroom areas just beyond the striking wall of windows. The copious glazing is balanced with a sense of privacy thanks to a slatted five-foot-high Eichler Breckenridge Thinline fence.

Following the success of his homes, Eichler expanded into both luxurious and subsidized multi-family housing. Unfortunately, this gamble didn’t attract an already small amount of renters. That, along with delayed returns on investments, longer completion schedules, and complicated permitting processes, led his company to file for bankruptcy in 1966. The outdoor space provides plenty of room for entertaining and enjoying nature.

He played a pivotal role in bringing modern architecture to everyday families. In 1943, before entering the development business, Joeseph Eichler moved his family into a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian house. During that time, Eichler left his well-established position at Nye and Nisson after the company underwent an investigation in an attempt to defraud the federal government. After leaving the company, Eichler spent significant time at the Bazett Residence, planning his next move. He came to admire Frank Lloyd Wright’s attention to detail and gained an appreciation for the spaces in the home. It is believed that Eichler’s exposure to Wright’s architecture significantly influenced his decision to move into the development industry.

While they were once considered affordable housing, Eichler homes are now prized by architect lovers and regarded as works of art. Unfortunately, these homes don’t stay on the market for long, and they often fetch high prices. Our "go to guy" and company expert, Brandon is the visionary and dreamer of all we do here at America's Best House Plans. He manages quality assurance, audits existing processes for maximum effectiveness, and develops strategies to increase productivity and efficiency.