If Eichler Designed a House Today, This Is What It Might Look Like

When tasked with designing a house for a family of three that was relocating from Santa Barbara to the small beach town of Carpinteria, California, architects Brett Woods and Joseph Dangaran channeled midcentury architects Joseph Eichler and Cliff May. Though the house is new, it clearly takes inspiration from the post-and-beam construction that those figures helped establish as the status quo at the time.

The 2,500-square-foot house has an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. Criss Cross Ball pendant lamps by George Nelson cover the ceiling. The kitchen features Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and a backsplash of Heath tile.

De Jong & Co. designed the great room, as well as the dining chairs and table. The sofa, chairs, day bed, and coffee table in the living space are by Lawson-Fenning.

The interior palette is simple, with concrete floors and plaster ceilings. The fireplace, made of stacked Roman brick, is another design move commonly seen in midcentury houses.

A 40-foot wall of sliding doors exposes the great room to the courtyard. The master bedroom also opens up to the outdoor space. The yard uses pervious paving and drought-tolerant plant species to reduce runoff and save water.

The cedar shingles on the exterior will naturally weather and change color from the ocean air.