63
MIDCENTURY GOES MODERN
Sunnyvale, CA
How does one create something unique and different that still responds to a neighborhood's design intent? The homeowners' goal was an iconic
Eichler home, and once a program and general layout for the 500-square-foot addition to the front was established, various roof shapes were
explored as a way of differentiating the building. Instead of sloping up toward the center of the structure, the addition slopes dynamically up and
away. It can be a challenge to add natural light into the center of the home with these smaller lots in Silicon Valley, because many homeowners'
instinct is to overbuild their lot. As a contrast, many original Eicher homes embraced an open-air atrium entry, with glass walls on all four sides.
Though the owner had purchased a non-atrium model, the front build-out allowed the original design to shift and accommodate a traditional open-
air courtyard. The concept of this home is sleek, minimal, and clean, and every materiality decision embraces this ideal. Instead of the traditional
mahogany, white oak is used. Large-format white terrazzo complements the warmth of the wood, while whitewashed cork flooring pays homage to
the 1960s. Dimensional tile from Rombini adds depth and texture under the kitchen island and in the primary bathroom.
Photographs by Mariko Reed
Designed by Blaine Architects, San Jose, CA, page 213
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