Eichler Design Guidelines: A Boyenga Team Perspective
At the Boyenga Team, we recognize the deep attachment Eichler homeowners and enthusiasts feel toward the distinctive mid-century style. The Palo Alto Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines were created to support this legacy by providing recommendations to preserve the unique character of Eichler homes and neighborhoods.
Why Were These Guidelines Created?
The guidelines were initiated by the Palo Alto City Council in 2016 to address growing community concerns over preserving Eichler neighborhoods amid new development trends. This movement gained momentum when Single-Story Overlay rezoning requests revealed a need for cohesive guidelines to protect neighborhood aesthetics. The city collaborated with historic architecture experts Page & Turnbull to create guidelines that respect the architectural integrity of Eichler homes while accommodating modern living needs. As a result, the guidelines offer voluntary yet structured guidance for homeowners, architects, and city staff.
Are These Guidelines Mandatory?
One of the frequent questions we encounter is about whether the guidelines are enforceable. Currently, they are voluntary; however, if the community and the City Council see value in making them regulatory, further steps could be taken. For now, the guidelines aim to provide a framework for maintaining neighborhood character without imposing strict requirements on homeowners.
Who Needs to Follow the Guidelines?
These guidelines apply specifically to homes within designated Eichler neighborhoods. If you’re an Eichler homeowner or live in neighborhoods like Greenmeadow and Green Gables, following these guidelines helps preserve the visual harmony and design ethos of your surroundings. Even for non-Eichler homes, these guidelines serve as an excellent resource for achieving architectural cohesiveness within an Eichler-dominant neighborhood.
The Role of the Guidelines: Preservation and Adaptation
Much like the Professorville Guidelines, the Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines provide best practices for preservation and sensitive development. Homeowners can consult these guidelines when planning renovations or expansions to retain the aesthetic and historical value of Eichler neighborhoods. At the Boyenga Team, we appreciate this balanced approach—maintaining the design legacy while allowing flexibility for contemporary updates that meet today’s living standards.
Embracing the Eichler Legacy
Joseph Eichler’s vision of democratic, affordable, and beautifully designed homes brought California living into harmony with nature. The Eichler style, characterized by post-and-beam construction, large glass windows, and integration with outdoor spaces, continues to attract homeowners who value quality of life. As experts in Eichler homes, we at the Boyenga Team are committed to helping homeowners uphold these ideals through thoughtful, historically aligned updates.
Key Elements of the Guidelines
The guidelines emphasize several core principles:
Livability and Community: Maintaining open, welcoming spaces that foster neighborhood interaction.
Architectural Cohesion: Encouraging scale compatibility and design harmony.
Green Landscapes: Supporting sustainable, aesthetic landscaping that integrates with Eichler architecture.
These voluntary guidelines are invaluable tools for homeowners wanting to preserve the beauty and integrity of Eichler neighborhoods while adapting their homes for today. If you have questions about how to incorporate these elements into your home, the Boyenga Team is here to provide insights tailored to your needs. Our goal is to support the Eichler community in maintaining its unique identity and design legacy.
A Closer Look at Palo Alto's Eichler Neighborhoods
Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods showcase some of the finest examples of mid-century modern design in California, with development spanning from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. These neighborhoods were part of Joseph Eichler’s vision for democratizing good design, offering functional, beautifully designed homes that catered to the middle class and embraced California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
University Gardens (1949-1950) is among the earliest Eichler neighborhoods in Palo Alto, setting the standard for Eichler’s vision with post-and-beam construction, open floor plans, and abundant natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. This design style continued through El Centro Gardens in 1950 and Charleston Meadows (1950-1951), as Eichler honed the modern, minimalist approach that defined his brand.
Green Gables (1950-1951) and Greer Park (1950-1951) followed closely, reflecting Eichler’s commitment to blending indoor and outdoor spaces. These homes emphasized privacy while connecting residents to nature, a theme that remained central to Eichler developments. Similarly, Channing Park (1951-1952) and Fairmeadow (1951-1954) continued this ethos, with homes thoughtfully arranged to encourage a sense of community and openness.
By the mid-1950s, Eichler expanded his reach with Midfair (1953-1954), Walnut Grove (1953-1954), and Charleston Gardens (1954). These neighborhoods introduced subtle variations to the Eichler style, adjusting layouts and exterior finishes while preserving the essential features that made Eichler homes so distinctive. Greenmeadow (1954-1955), now a historic district, exemplifies Eichler’s peak design period, characterized by spacious living areas, flat or low-sloped roofs, and integrated landscapes.
In later developments, such as Edgewood (1956) and Greendell (1956), Eichler’s neighborhoods became known not only for architectural beauty but also for fostering close-knit communities. Each of these tracts, from Royal Manor (1957-1958) to Los Arboles (1959-1961), served as a testament to Eichler's vision of affordable modern living, a design philosophy that endures in Palo Alto’s housing landscape today.
In the late 1950s, Eichler homes began to evolve in design and layout, adapting to the changing needs of mid-century homeowners. Faircourt (1956), Greendell (1956), and Triple El (1955) exemplify this era, featuring flat and gable roof designs, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and internal courtyards that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living spaces. These neighborhoods foster a distinct sense of openness and continuity, characteristic of Eichler’s architectural vision.
Meadow Park (1957-1958) and Royal Manor (1957-1958) continued Eichler’s exploration of design, introducing subtle variations in layout while maintaining the simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal that define Eichler homes. Each of these neighborhoods emphasized natural light, open spaces, and minimalistic aesthetics, aligning with the broader principles of mid-century modernism.
Los Arboles (1959-1961) and Garland Park (1958) expanded Eichler’s influence further, showcasing homes with clean lines, open plans, and innovative uses of wood and glass. These tracts are celebrated not only for their architectural design but also for creating cohesive, community-oriented spaces that encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging.
As Eichler’s legacy moved into the 1960s and 1970s, neighborhoods like Midcourt (1972) and Community Center (1973) marked the final evolution of Eichler homes in Palo Alto. These later neighborhoods continued to embrace the original Eichler aesthetic while accommodating a modernized approach to suburban living. Homes in these neighborhoods balanced the iconic indoor-outdoor connection with practical updates, allowing residents to experience the best of both traditional and contemporary living.
Each Eichler neighborhood, from University Gardens to Community Center, embodies the principles that Joseph Eichler championed: functional beauty, connection to nature, and a community-centric approach to suburban living. The Boyenga Team proudly supports these values, helping homeowners appreciate and preserve the architectural significance of Eichler homes in Palo Alto and throughout Silicon Valley.
Each neighborhood, though unique, shares the values at the heart of Eichler’s work: high-quality design, livable spaces, and a seamless connection to the environment. For those interested in learning more, the Eichler Network and the Boyenga Team have insights into these neighborhoods, capturing the legacy of Eichler homes in Silicon Valley.
Understanding Single Story Overlay (SSO) Combining Districts in Eichler Neighborhoods
The Single Story Overlay (SSO) Combining Districts plays an important role in preserving the unique look and feel of Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods. These overlays restrict new constructions to a single story, maintaining the low-profile aesthetic that Eichler homes are known for. Currently, eleven Eichler tracts fall under these SSO districts, which homeowners can initiate through an SSO Rezoning application.
For approval, applicants must show that 70% of property owners in the area support the rezoning. In neighborhoods with Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that already limit homes to a single story, a slightly lower threshold of 60% homeowner support is required. If these requirements are met, the application proceeds to the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) for a public hearing. Following this, the City Council makes the final decision on the SSO designation after its own public hearing. These overlays help ensure that Eichler neighborhoods retain their characteristic look while accommodating the evolving needs of residents within a carefully preserved architectural landscape.
Palo Alto Eichler Neighborhood Design Guidelines put together by historic architecture experts Page & Turnbull for the City of Palo Alto
Brief History of Eichler Homes & Eichler Residential Development in Palo Alto
Joseph Eichler's journey into real estate was inspired by a blend of personal experiences and a strong belief in the benefits of modernist design for the middle class. Born in 1900 in New York City, Eichler worked in business until he and his family lived in the Bazett House in Hillsborough, California—a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This experience sparked his passion for architecture that harmonizes with nature, especially the Usonian principles Wright promoted: open floor plans, radiant-heated slab foundations, and a focus on communal living spaces. By 1947, Eichler established the Sunnyvale Building Company (later rebranded as Eichler Homes), dedicated to building well-designed homes that prioritized livability and affordability
Eichler’s early neighborhoods, including University Gardens and Green Gables in Palo Alto, introduced post-and-beam construction and flat or low-sloped roofs, setting a new standard for suburban housing. As Eichler gained experience, he began collaborating with influential architects like Anshen & Allen and later Jones & Emmons and Claude Oakland, expanding his architectural vocabulary. These collaborations resulted in distinctive designs, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass, open-plan interiors, and integration with the landscape, providing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that defines Eichler homes today. In the 1950s, Architectural Forum honored several of his developments, praising their high quality, thoughtful layouts, and approachability for middle-class buyers.
Eichler Green Meadow neighborhood in Palo Alto
Eichler’s Impact in Palo Alto and Beyond
Eichler’s influence was profound in Palo Alto, where over 2,700 homes were built across neighborhoods like Greenmeadow and Fairmeadow, as well as throughout California. He extended his legacy by integrating community spaces, such as parks and swimming pools, in neighborhoods like Greenmeadow, creating not just homes but cohesive communities. Notably, Eichler was a progressive in his field, opposing racially discriminatory practices, and refusing to discriminate against potential buyers based on race or religion—a bold stance that set him apart from other developers of the time
Eichler’s innovative approach to affordable, quality housing—combined with his commitment to fair housing—left an indelible mark on mid-century architecture and suburban development. Today, Eichler homes are celebrated for their modernist principles and continue to be cherished by homeowners who value their timeless design and connection to nature.
Eichler’s legacy in Palo Alto is not only architectural but also cultural, as his homes symbolize a shift in American housing ideals during the post-war era. Beyond the distinct architectural features—such as open floor plans, extensive use of glass, and integration with nature—Eichler’s developments are noteworthy for promoting a modern, community-oriented suburban lifestyle. The neighborhoods he created fostered a sense of belonging and collective identity that many residents still cherish today.
As Eichler expanded his projects, he adapted his designs to meet changing demands, eventually including larger floor plans and even two-story models in later tracts. However, his commitment to quality design and affordability remained at the core of his work. By collaborating with landscape architects like Thomas Church and Robert Royston, Eichler further reinforced the indoor-outdoor connection that is now synonymous with California’s architectural identity(
Though Eichler Homes closed in 1967 due to financial constraints, Joseph Eichler continued working independently until his passing in 1974. His vision for accessible, well-designed homes has left a lasting impact, particularly in Palo Alto, where Eichler neighborhoods remain among the city’s most beloved and architecturally significant areas. Eichler’s influence is evident in the resurgence of interest in mid-century modern design, as homeowners and architects alike are drawn to his timeless principles of livability, aesthetic integrity, and community.
Eichler’s Architects: Anshen & Allen
Architects S. Robert Anshen and William Stephen Allen brought a distinctive vision to Joseph Eichler’s projects, merging modernist ideals with innovative building practices. Both architects trained in Philadelphia before relocating to California, drawn to the state’s experimental design culture and burgeoning interest in modernist architecture. In 1940, Anshen and Allen established their firm in the Bay Area, where they quickly became influential figures in the region’s architectural landscape.
Anshen and his wife, Eleanor, published influential papers promoting the use of advanced technology and integrated building systems in mass-produced housing—a progressive approach that found a fitting canvas in Eichler homes. Their collaboration with Eichler Homes led to the AA-1 prototype, a groundbreaking model that showcased open layouts, post-and-beam construction, and Eichler’s hallmark seamless indoor-outdoor integration.
While Anshen & Allen are closely associated with Eichler’s suburban developments, they also made notable contributions to modernist architecture beyond residential projects. Their work includes high-rise office towers such as the International Building at 601 California Street and the Bank of California Tower in San Francisco. One of their most iconic non-residential projects is the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, a structure celebrated for its bold, modernist design within a natural setting. Today, Anshen & Allen's legacy endures, reflecting their role in shaping California’s mid-century modern identity and their lasting impact on the built environment
Eichler’s Architects: Jones & Emmons
The architectural duo A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons made significant contributions to Eichler’s developments, introducing bold, modern designs and exploring new materials that defined mid-century modern homes. Formed in 1950 and based in Los Angeles, the Jones & Emmons partnership focused on innovative residential architecture, where Jones was recognized as the primary creative force. One of Jones's earlier accomplishments was his work on the Mutual Housing Association development in Brentwood, a community of 160 modern homes that exemplified his principles of expansive glass walls and functional modernist materials.
Hired by Eichler in the 1950s, Jones & Emmons provided design work that complemented and expanded on the initial designs by Anshen & Allen. Their collaboration with Eichler was instrumental in creating a range of architectural models that incorporated steel frames in addition to the standard wood post-and-beam construction. One notable example is the X-100 model in San Mateo, a unique Eichler prototype showcasing exposed steel beams and a sleek, modern layout that pushed the boundaries of residential design.
Jones & Emmons also contributed to Eichler’s impact in urban redevelopment, with projects like the Laguna Eichler Apartments in San Francisco's Western Addition in the 1960s. This development aligned with Eichler's vision of modern, community-centric housing but in a denser urban setting. By the time their partnership concluded in 1969 with Emmons’s retirement, Jones & Emmons had left a legacy of thousands of Eichler homes throughout California, helping to define the suburban modernist landscape.
Eichler’s Architect: J. Claude Oakland
J. Claude Oakland played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural legacy of Eichler Homes, contributing significantly to the evolution of the Eichler aesthetic. After completing his education at Tulane University and training with architect Bruce Goff, Oakland joined Anshen and Allen in 1950, where he worked closely on Eichler projects, initially helping to simplify residential designs to make them affordable for middle-class families. This focus on accessibility aligned perfectly with Eichler’s vision, allowing Oakland to fine-tune Eichler homes to meet practical needs without sacrificing style or quality.
In 1960, Oakland formed his own firm, Claude Oakland & Associates, and Eichler immediately brought him on as a key architect for new projects. With Oakland’s design leadership, Eichler Homes expanded its design vocabulary, moving beyond the simple roof structures of the 1950s to include features like hipped roofs, gabled roofs with flat peaks, and gables aligned parallel to the street. Oakland’s innovative approaches gave Eichler homes a distinctive look, balancing Eichler’s modernist ethos with architectural diversity that appealed to a broader range of homeowners.
Oakland's partnership with Eichler lasted until Joseph Eichler’s passing in 1974, after which Oakland continued to influence mid-century modern architecture. In 1977, he partnered with Kinji Imada, further extending his impact until his own death in 1989. Oakland’s designs, including models like the L-154 in Los Altos (1968), remain celebrated for their functional beauty and timeless appeal, solidifying his role as a central figure in Eichler’s architectural legacy.
Eichler’s Landscape Architects
Joseph Eichler's vision of modern, harmonious living extended beyond the walls of his homes to the surrounding landscapes, where he worked with some of California’s most respected landscape architects to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Thomas Church was a pioneering landscape architect who helped define the “California style” of landscape design. Educated at UC Berkeley and Harvard, Church’s career spanned five decades, beginning during the Great Depression. Known for his restrained, low-maintenance gardens that emphasized functionality, Church’s designs championed the idea of outdoor “rooms” that connected directly to the home. This approach aligned perfectly with Eichler’s philosophy of indoor-outdoor living, which was brought to life in communities like Greenmeadow, where Church designed the landscaping for the community center. His contributions extended to Eichler model homes, where his plant selections, outdoor seating, and pathways created welcoming, functional landscapes.
Robert Royston, another acclaimed landscape architect, began his career in the office of Thomas Church before establishing himself as a leader in modernist landscape design. Working with Eichler Homes, Royston developed standardized layouts for backyard spaces, focusing on design elements like rectangular patios, curved benches, and retaining walls that created a fluid transition between the home’s interior and exterior. His designs incorporated both organic and geometric shapes, adding visual interest and functional space. Royston’s firm evolved over the years, becoming Royston, Hanamoto, Alley & Abey (RHAA), which remains active today, continuing his legacy of innovative, integrated landscape design.
Kathryn Stedman contributed to Eichler’s projects in the 1950s, designing fencing, walkways, and planting schemes for around one hundred Eichler homes. Originally from Vassar College and having started her career in merchandising in New York, Stedman eventually shifted to landscape architecture in Palo Alto. Her designs were functional yet aesthetic, gaining national recognition when her work on an Eichler property was featured in Life magazine in 1954. Stedman later joined the faculty at Stanford University, sharing her expertise in landscape architecture with new generations.
Together, these landscape architects helped Eichler create environments where homes and gardens felt like cohesive, livable spaces, establishing a legacy of landscape design that continues to inspire and influence Eichler homeowners today.
Typical Characteristics of Eichler Residences
Eichler homes showcase distinct architectural elements that set them apart from other mid-century homes, including innovative construction techniques, iconic roof designs, and a minimalist material palette. These features were integral to Joseph Eichler's vision of affordable, well-designed homes that harmonize with their surroundings and enhance livability.
Construction Technique
The post-and-beam construction on a concrete slab foundation is one of the most recognizable features of Eichler homes. This structural approach, in which vertical posts and horizontal beams carry the load, offers several benefits: it allows for quick, efficient construction; provides interior layout flexibility; and accommodates large, unobstructed windows at the rear. The visible rafter tails beneath the roof eaves showcase the structural integrity of Eichler homes while allowing for floor-to-ceiling glazing, which fosters an indoor-outdoor connection—a hallmark of Eichler's design philosophy.
Form & Massing
Most Eichler homes are single-story, horizontal in orientation, with a box-like structure and clean, angular lines. Later developments, like Los Arboles (1972-1974), include some two-story models designed by Claude Oakland. The floor plans are often square or U-shaped, frequently organized around a central atrium or patio, fostering both privacy and functionality. To enhance the sense of seclusion, windows are positioned to avoid direct views into neighboring properties. This thoughtful layout reflects Eichler's commitment to creating a community feel while maintaining personal space
Roof Design
Eichler roof designs are instantly identifiable, with variations including gabled, flat, and combination roofs. The shallow slopes, typically around a 3:12 pitch, give Eichler homes a low-profile look that complements their modernist style. Unique roof forms, like the chevron design in Greenmeadow, are found in certain neighborhoods, while Claude Oakland’s later designs introduced center gables and hipped roofs, as seen in the Los Arboles Addition. Eichler roofs are typically covered with tar and gravel or rolled roofing materials to maintain a flat appearance, with some tracts featuring shingled roofs for variety(
Cladding, Materials & Features
Eichler homes use a simple material palette that includes vertical, tongue-and-groove redwood siding and scored plywood, occasionally supplemented with concrete block. Exterior colors generally feature earth tones, with bright accents on lintels, carport beams, and doors to add visual interest. Exposed roof rafters and wide fascia boards further accentuate the post-and-beam structural design. This minimalist approach to materials allows Eichler homes to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.
Fenestration
Eichler homes often feature minimal front-facing glazing for privacy, including clerestory windows and vertically divided plate glass. Full-height rear windows—one of the most distinctive characteristics of Eichler residences—use large expanses of glass, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Windows are typically framed in wood or aluminum, with sliding aluminum doors at the rear to complete the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Entry Doors & Garage Doors
Eichler’s garage doors are typically clad in vertical wood boards, while entry doors are solid wood. Rear doors are often fully glazed, integrating with the large window walls to create a visually cohesive appearance across the home’s exterior.
Carports & Garages
Eichler homes often feature front-facing garages or carports, carefully integrated into the roofline to maintain the aesthetic flow. Some homes have both a one-car garage and a carport, which may lead to a glazed courtyard wall, creating an enclosed outdoor space that emphasizes Eichler's focus on indoor-outdoor harmony.
These design characteristics have made Eichler homes enduring symbols of California modernism, illustrating Eichler's vision of livability, simplicity, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
Interior Plans & Features
Eichler homes are celebrated for their innovative interior layouts that break from traditional post-war designs. At the heart of many Eichler homes is an open floor plan that creates a seamless flow between the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout not only maximizes communal spaces but also allows natural light to penetrate deep into the home, enhancing the feeling of openness. Living and dining rooms typically open directly to the backyard, creating an extension of the living space into the outdoors, a hallmark of Eichler’s indoor-outdoor living philosophy
Eichler homes generally include three to four bedrooms and, uniquely for the time, feature radiant heating embedded in the concrete slab flooring. This heating system, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes, distributes warmth evenly across the home, eliminating the need for traditional heating elements that could disrupt the clean lines of the interior. The walls are often paneled with rich mahogany, giving a warm, natural aesthetic that complements the minimalist design.
Additionally, Eichler homes incorporate central atriums or entry courtyards, especially in later models. These open-air spaces often serve as private outdoor rooms, visible from multiple parts of the house and allowing natural light and ventilation to flow throughout the home. The use of floor-to-ceiling glass in these areas emphasizes Eichler’s focus on openness and connection to the outdoors. This innovative layout created spaces that feel both intimate and expansive, setting Eichler homes apart from other suburban houses of the era.
Preserving the Eichler Legacy with Expert Guidance from the Boyenga Team
The Eichler Design Guidelines reflect Palo Alto's dedication to preserving the unique, mid-century architectural heritage of Eichler homes, balancing modern needs with architectural integrity. These guidelines provide invaluable resources for Eichler homeowners and potential buyers who appreciate the beauty, functionality, and community-oriented nature of these iconic neighborhoods.
From construction techniques like post-and-beam framework and concrete slab foundations to signature interior layouts featuring open floor plans, atriums, and radiant heating, each detail in an Eichler home is intentional. The guidelines also encourage homeowners to retain original features where possible—such as distinctive roof styles, wood cladding, and thoughtfully positioned windows—while accommodating the personal and practical needs of today's residents.
At the Boyenga Team, we are passionate about Eichler homes and are deeply familiar with Palo Alto’s Eichler neighborhoods, from Greenmeadow to Los Arboles. With years of experience helping clients buy, sell, and renovate these unique properties, we understand the importance of respecting the design integrity of Eichler homes while helping homeowners adapt them to contemporary lifestyles. As Eichler experts and Palo Alto neighborhood specialists, we’re here to provide the insights, resources, and personalized support needed to navigate the Eichler Design Guidelines, whether you’re making subtle upgrades, undergoing a restoration, or embarking on new construction in an Eichler neighborhood.
If you have any questions about Eichler homes or need guidance with design and renovation projects that honor Eichler’s vision, please feel free to reach out to us at Eichlers@Boyenga.com or visit our website, SiliconValleyEichlers.com. The Boyenga Team is here to help you make the most of your Eichler home, ensuring it remains a lasting part of Palo Alto’s rich architectural legacy.