Urban Eichler
Preserving the Eichler DNA
The first step was to honor the foundational elements that made Eichler homes so unique. The iconic post-and-beam construction was restored, reinforcing the structural integrity while maintaining the clean, horizontal lines that defined the home’s profile. The tongue-and-groove ceiling panels were carefully refinished, their natural wood grain brought back to life with a warm, matte finish.
The atrium, a signature feature of Eichler homes, was reimagined as a central gathering space. The design team installed sleek concrete pavers and drought-tolerant plants, creating a Zen-inspired retreat that blurred the lines between indoors and outdoors. A custom-designed skylight was added above the atrium, allowing natural light to filter into the core of the home throughout the day.
Modernizing the Heart of the Home
While preserving the Eichler aesthetic, the kitchen and living spaces were updated to reflect modern living needs. The original galley kitchen was opened up to create a more fluid connection with the dining and living areas. Minimalist matte-black cabinetry contrasted beautifully with white quartz countertops and a backsplash of handmade, earthy ceramic tiles.
State-of-the-art appliances were integrated seamlessly, hidden behind flush cabinetry, maintaining the clean lines of the original design. A large island with a waterfall edge became the focal point, providing ample space for cooking and entertaining.
The original concrete slab flooring was polished and sealed, preserving the industrial feel while adding durability and warmth. Heated flooring was installed beneath, replacing the outdated radiant heating system with a modern solution that provided consistent comfort.
A Timeless Reinvention
The finished home was a perfect blend of mid-century charm and modern functionality. The open-beam ceilings and glass walls retained the architectural spirit of Eichler’s original vision, while the refined material palette and updated layout reflected a contemporary lifestyle.
The new owners settled into their reinvented space with a sense of reverence for the past and excitement for the future. On warm evenings, they’d slide open the glass walls, letting the breeze filter through the atrium as they relaxed by the fire pit—a perfect moment where modern comfort and mid-century modern ethos existed in seamless harmony.
The Eichler legacy lived on—not as a relic of the past, but as a modern sanctuary perfectly suited for today’s way of life.
Joseph Leopold Eichler (June 25, 1900 – July 1, 1974) was a 20th-century post-war American real estate developer known for developing distinctive residential subdivisions of mid-century modern style tract housing in California. He was one of the influential advocates of bringing modern architecture from custom residences and large corporate buildings to general public availability. His company and developments remain in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles