People in Glass Houses

After having the opportunity to work on a few of these extraordinary spaces lately I decided I HAD to write a blog post about my current obsession. E-I-C-H-L-E-R-S!

For those of you that don’t live in the Bay Area, let me give you some back story. Joseph Eichler was a developer in the 1950’s-60’s who built modern tract homes that were famous for their architecture. Eichler felt inspired by the Frank Lloyd Wright home that he lived in and what he created from that laid the groundwork for the “California Modern” style.

Drawing inspiration from Wright and even, my favorite, Mies van der Rohe, Eichler took a familiar modern design and infused it with the calm lifestyle of the west coast to create these unique spaces. 

Typically Eichler homes are A-Framed concrete slab construction and feature glass walls, atriums, skylights, and a surprising amount of privacy from the busy street. When you walk into one for the first time you feel as if you have walked into a secret garden.

For me, Eichlers represent a modern oasis. They have a private feeling of home while still being connected with the outside world and nature. They are the perfect contemporary picture frame for viewing our beautiful mother earth.

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