Project: Palo Alto Eichler House
Architecture, interior and custom cabinetry design: Gustave Carlson Design
Interior design and decoration: Atelier Davis
Lanscape: Groundcover Landscaping
Builder: Flegel’s Construction
Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
Photo credits: David Duncan Livingston
The California-based studio takes a mid-century modern home into the 21st century
Architect-artist Gustave Carlson — whose eponymous residential architecture and design practice works on custom renovations, new construction, and sustainable design across architectural styles — adapted an unusually pedigreed ‘Eichler,’ the collective name for the distinctive single-family residences commissioned by the 20th-century real estate developer Joseph Eichler, to the current homeowners’ vision, while paying homage to its groundbreaking origins.
In the entry porch, located underneath the gabled roof, transom windows let in natural light, while showcasing the signature ‘Eichler’ post-and-beam construction.
An admirer of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, and widely regarded as a social visionary, Joseph Eichler took the design principles and values of modern architecture to middle-class Americans. Between 1949 and 1966, his company, Eichler Homes, built an estimated 11,000 modern, tract-style, single-family residences in planned communities, mostly in Northern California; the City of Palo Alto, located along the San Francisco Peninsula, boasts the largest concentration of such homes in the U.S.
In the project room, Gustave Carlson designed a wall mounted storage unit inspired by artist Donald Judd.
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 which 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.
In the atrium, the walls are an exterior western cedar siding, and interior sliding glass doors by Fleetwood add to the feeling of living outdoors.
The John S. Lynd ‘Eichler’ is currently owned by a visionary couple who share four daughters and an art collection of more than 90 works, mainly by emerging female artists. Carlson approached their commission by adapting the structure for contemporary living, integrating energy efficiency and sustainability, while letting its original bones shine through.
In the natural light-filled kitchen, Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue No. 30 adds a distinctive flair to the custom cabinetry, designed by Gustave Carlson. The central island has a black walnut wood top and custom steel legs.The materials palette consists of wood, cork and natural stone.
“An ‘Eichler’ captures the word optimism in built form,” notes Carlson, who has worked on dozens of private homes on the U.S. East Coast and in California. “These airy, light-filled, and human scale structures convey the promise of the post-World War ll era, as well as Joseph Eichler’s philosophy on domestic life, and the ability of modern design to enhance our quality of life.”
The primary bedroom suite features a display ledge for rotating art and a barn door that encloses a small sitting area. Made from Western Red Cedar, both pieces were custom-designed by Gustave Carlson.The primary bathroom features vanity and cabinets all custom designed by Gustave Carlson.The 4,000-square foot residence is uniquely located on a flag lot that overlooks a golf course.
Located up a long driveway and set back from the street, the residence features a gabled roof in the center of the structure with two “flat wings” on either side.
In the entry porch, located underneath the gabled roof, transom windows let in natural light, while showcasing the signature ‘Eichler’ post-and-beam construction.
In the project room, Gustave Carlson designed a wall mounted storage unit inspired by artist Donald Judd.
In the atrium, the walls are an exterior western cedar siding, and interior sliding glass doors by Fleetwood add to the feeling of living outdoors.
In the natural light-filled kitchen, Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue No. 30 adds a distinctive flair to the custom cabinetry, designed by Gustave Carlson. The central island has a black walnut wood top and custom steel legs.
The materials palette consists of wood, cork and natural stone.
The residence has two children’s bedrooms, each one containing a sleeping area and desk space.
In one of two children’s bedrooms, the leaf wallpaper has a natural motif with the feel of a mid-century woodblock.
In one of two children’s bedrooms, wallpaper—in a butterfly pattern from Schumacher—adds an uncharacteristic, yet fun and whimsical touch for an ‘Eichler.’
In the guest bedroom, the Gustave Carlson-custom designed display ledge for rotating art is repeated. The Western Red Cedar features a natural stain finish.
The primary bedroom suite features a display ledge for rotating art and a barn door that encloses a small sitting area. Made from Western Red Cedar, both pieces were custom-designed by Gustave Carlson.
In one of two children’s bathrooms, featuring custom vanity and cabinets by Gustave Carlson, a new light well brings in natural light.
Near the entrance, a mudroom is a nod to the husband’s British roots.
Ceramic tile flooring is used throughout the primary bathroom.
The primary bathroom features vanity and cabinets all custom designed by Gustave Carlson.
The project team includes Gustave Carlson Design, Atelier Davis, Groundcover Landscaping and Flegel’s Construction.
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