Posts in California Modernism
Authentic Eichler vs. Imitation: A Silicon Valley MCM Guide

Spotting a true Eichler is an art form. From post-and-beam construction to iconic atriums, authentic Eichler homes reveal their lineage through unmistakable architectural signatures. This guide breaks down the exact details that separate genuine Eichlers from lookalikes — helping buyers, sellers, and mid-century fans decode Silicon Valley’s most beloved modern homes with confidence.

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Preserving Mid-Century Modern in Sunnyvale: A Market Caught Between Past and Future

Sunnyvale holds one of the nation’s richest collections of Mid-Century Modern homes, with ~1,100 Eichlers that chart the full evolution of California Modern—from early Sunnyvale Manor to late, dramatic Primewood models. Today, these design icons face a classic Silicon Valley tension: land values that reward teardowns vs. the cultural and architectural value that drives the “Eichler premium.” Sunnyvale’s response blends policy and grassroots action—city Eichler Design Guidelines and resident-driven Single-Story Overlays—to protect low-slung streetscapes, privacy, and indoor-outdoor living. The path forward isn’t stasis, but sensitive renovation: upgrading systems, glazing, and layouts while honoring post-and-beam bones, atriums, and tongue-and-groove ceilings. Sunnyvale’s story is a national model for balancing preservation, market forces, and community identity in the tech age.

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California Modernism, Eichler Homes, Eichler Real Estate, Eichler HistoryProperty NerdsSunnyvale Eichler homes, Sunnyvale Mid-Century Modern, MCM Sunnyvale, California Modern, Eichler premium, Eichler teardown, Eichler preservation, Single-Story Overlay, SSO Sunnyvale, Eichler Design Guidelines, post-and-beam, tongue-and-groove ceilings, radiant heat, atrium model, indoor-outdoor living, floor-to-ceiling glass, Claude Oakland, Anshen & Allen, Jones & Emmons, A. Quincy Jones, Frederick Emmons, California Modern architecture, Sunnyvale Manor I, Sunnyvale Manor II, Sunnymount Gardens, Fairbrae, Fairbrae Addition, Fairorchard, Fairwood, Fairwood Addition, Rancho Verde, Rancho Verde Addition, Parmer Place, Rancho Sans Souci, Primewood, Cherry Chase, 94087 real estate, Sunnyvale luxury real estate, Silicon Valley architecture, Eichler remodel costs, Eichler renovation, double-pane upgrades, Eichler foam roof, Eichler radiant boiler, Eichler HVAC mini-split, Eichler electrical upgrade, Sunnyvale planning, Sesame Drive case, monster home impacts, streetscape harmony, privacy protection, Eichler market trends, price per square foot Sunnyvale, days on market Eichler, Eichler vs contemporary homes, Mackay Homes comparison, California Modern tract homes, Sunnyvale historic neighborhoods, preservation zoning, Eichler buyer guide, Eichler seller strategy, Compass Boyenga Team, Eichler Experts Silicon Valley, Eichler listing prep, Eichler staging, Eichler sensitive addition, Eichler gallery model, double A-frame roofline, Sunnyvale tech corridor, Apple proximity housing, Sunnyvale schools housing demand, Eichler community identity, architectural stewardship, design-forward real estate, Property Nerds, Next-Gen Agents, Boyenga Team Compass, Eric Boyenga, Janelle Boyenga
Modernist Pilgrimage: Visiting Iconic Mid-Century Homes Beyond Eichler Homes

From Neutra’s glassy hillside labs to Schindler’s communal concrete retreat, California’s iconic modernist homes go far beyond Eichler tracts. This curated guide explores must-see architectural landmarks across Silicon Valley, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles—highlighting the pioneers, materials, and philosophies that shaped the West Coast’s modernist legacy. A must-read for design lovers and mid-century enthusiasts.

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The Eichler Zeitgeist: How California Modernism Became a National Obsession

Mid-century Eichler homes aren’t just relics of the 1950s – they’ve become icons of modern living. Discover how these California Modern masterpieces, with their open plans, glass walls, and zen-like indoor-outdoor vibe, sparked a nationwide obsession influencing today’s design, fashion, and wellness trends.

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California Modernism and the Eichler Legacy

"From Australia’s bushland retreats to Japan’s serene courtyards and Germany’s Bauhaus-inspired suburbs, the spirit of California Modernism and Eichler design continues to influence architecture across the world — proving that good design transcends borders. Today, top real estate teams like the Boyenga Team at Compass honor that legacy by expertly representing iconic Eichler homes and architectural properties in Silicon Valley."

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