The History of Eichler Homes

Learn about the history of Eichler homes!

Eichler homes are from a branch of Modernist architecture that has come to be known as “California Modern”, and typically feature glass walls, post-and-beam construction and open floorplans in a style indebted to Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Eichler exteriors featured flat and/or low-sloping A-Framed roofs, vertical 2″ pattern wood siding, and spartan facades with clean geometric lines. One of Eichler’s signature concepts was to “Bring the Outside In”, achieved via skylights and floor-to-ceiling glass windows with glass transoms looking out on protected gardens, patios, and pools. The homes had numerous unorthodox and innovative features, including post-and-beam construction, tongue and groove decking for the roof, concrete slab floors with integral radiant heating, sliding doors and cabinets with sliding doors, and a standard second bathroom located in the master bedroom. Later models introduced the famous Eichler atriums, an entrance foyer designed to further advance the Eichler concept of integrating outdoor and indoor spaces.  

Eichler had a socially progressive vision for his developments that matched the progressive design of his houses. In line with this vision, Eichler Homes did not discriminate against any buyer based on their race or religion. Eichler Homes folded in 1966, but Eichler’s developments were nonetheless influential in the larger national suburban and modern movement and served as models for the rapidly changing architectural and societal norms of the postwar era. Thousands of Eichler’s homes still stand today, solidifying his legacy in modern American architecture.

The Boyenga Team are your Silicon Valley Eichler Specialists. As a top-producing husband and wife real estate team at Compass, Eric and Janelle of the Boyenga Team offer persistent and aggressive Eichler marketing and the best Mid-Century Modern web exposure in Silicon Valley. With over 30 years of combined real estate experience and backgrounds in design, communication, marketing, staging, spec-housing, construction and sales, our team can give you the representation you deserve.

For more information visit our website at www.BoyengaTeam.com or contact us at 408.373.1660 | homes@boyenga.com

We just recently sold an Eichler  home in the Fairglen neighborhood of San Jose. Read about it here.