Monday, February 28, 2011

Palo Alto Architecture

NOTE: The report of the Palo Alto trip is the previous post.

Palo Alto has many wonderfully designed homes from several periods. In our wanderings, we were particularly focused on the Eichler homes from the middle of the last century. These were affordable homes built by Eichler, but designed by a number of architects. They are now highly esteemed and sought after, though many have, sadly, been grossly remuddled or neglected. They are classic 1950s, mid-century modern houses.

I was also interested in the number of fine Monterey-style houses in Palo Alto. There are also many great Craftsman-style houses there, although, because there are good examples everywhere (including Provo), I didn't get any photos. We did see a fantastic Beaux-Arts era, late-medieval style house that really made us happy.

A flat roofed Eichler

Flat roof with a Japanese-inspired cover over the courtyard

A very pleasant Eichler neighborhood

Low pitched roof with clerestory windows

Central court entry

Monterey-style house

Very fine Spanish style with a great old tile roof

Spanish/Monterey hybrid

My favorite of this type

A slight Spanish-Baroque influence in the shape of the entry

This could be plopped down quite comfortably in England

What could be more fun than looking at houses? O.K. Not everyone's cup of tea, but Stephen and I were in heaven.

That's all for now.

OXO

D.

8 comments:

Anna said...

I could dig it.
So are there Eichler houses in Provo, because I recall several in Oak Hills that seem quite similar.

David and Kris Taylor said...

Nope. They were built all over California. There are some good little moderns in Provo, but none quite like the Eichlers.

D.

Anonymous said...

I would've LOVED to go with you and SKT on your Eichler house tour! I totally agree... what could be more fun?!

I am totally trendy (I freely admit it) and am SOOO into the whole mid century modern thing right now. (Is grandmother done with her furniture yet? Juuuust Kidding!!)

Here in Portland there are some cool mid-century homes... but as you mentioned... they are super spendy. Here, it's all about architect Robert Rummer. He was influenced by Eichler and built some sought after homes here. If you're interested... you can read a bit about him here:

http://www.eichlernetwork.com/ENStry22.html

or google him.

Anyway, I spend a little too much time (mostly at work) looking online at home exteriors and interiors!

We still haven't bought a home here in Portland... but when we do... I'm aiming for a good old 1950s one story ranch! Love them. I've already picked out the neighborhood. Now I'm just waiting for the right one to come on the market... oh, and for us to pay off our car!

Anonymous said...

Though... you probably already know about Robert Rummer.

David and Kris Taylor said...

Ellen: I knew nothing about Rummer and found the article very interesting. You certainly see the Eichler spirit in those houses.

The rundown Eichlers in Palo Alto sell for over 1 million, because the land is worth that. So some were "scraped and built" over. They are now appreciated and many have been restored.

Grandmother's furniture is incredible. When first introduce to them, I thought her wing chairs were strange. I now know they are Wegner chairs and I love them. You and Maren will have to duel for the furniture inheritance.

I can picture you in a mid-century modern environment. With patience you will likely find a great place.

D.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe they would scrap those Eichlers! Ah, what a difference a few decades makes.

Everything "retro" becomes cool.

The Rummer homes here go for around $350 - $400,000... which isn't as expensive as the Eichlers... but still more than we can afford!

Maren might have more luck in a duel... seeing as how she at least lives in the same state! But I will put up a good fight! En Garde!

Maren said...

I would be very happy in any of those homes!

Maren said...

Touche' (I have no idea if that is the correct spelling...oh well). I think I will go with "put up your dukes!"