Post-and-Beam 101: Spotting a True Eichler in Saratoga

How to Spot a True Eichler: A Guide to Redwood City’s Mid-Century Modern Icons

Introduction: Discovering Eichler Homes in Redwood City

Redwood City, California is a community of charming neighborhoods where classic ranch houses meet contemporary rebuilds and architectural mid-century gems. Nestled within this vibrant city lies a small but significant collection of authentic Eichler homes — rare works of mid-century modern design that continue to captivate homeowners and architecture enthusiasts alike.

In the early 1960s, visionary developer Joseph Eichler brought his modernist dream to Redwood City, commissioning architect Claude Oakland & Associates to design a limited tract known today as Sequoia Meadows. These sleek, glass-filled, post-and-beam homes stand in elegant contrast to the area’s traditional suburban architecture, offering an unmistakable connection to California’s modernist heritage.

But how do you distinguish a true Eichler-built home from the many “Eichler-inspired” or remodeled mid-century homes scattered across the Peninsula? In this guide, we’ll explore Eichler’s architectural philosophy and provide a detailed Eichler Authenticity Checklist — a step-by-step way to identify genuine Redwood City Eichlers by their defining structural and aesthetic traits.

Learn to recognize the difference between a real Eichler and an imitator — from the beam patterns in the ceiling to the radiant heat beneath your feet — and uncover why these homes remain some of the most desirable mid-century modern properties on the Peninsula.

For more information, visit EichlerHomesForSale.com — your source for active listings, design inspiration, and historical Eichler resources.

Architectural Background: Eichler’s Modern Vision Comes to Redwood City

Joseph Eichler revolutionized suburban design in postwar California by bringing architectural modernism to the middle class. From 1949 through the late 1960s, Eichler Homes, Inc. built over 11,000 residences across the Bay Area, each guided by progressive values and a belief that good design should be accessible to all.

The Redwood City development at Sequoia Meadows (circa 1962–1964) represents Eichler’s late-period refinement — larger, more open plans, cleaner rooflines, and seamless connections between interior and landscape. Partnering with architect Claude Oakland, who succeeded Anshen & Allen as Eichler’s primary designer, Eichler realized his vision of the ultimate California Modern home: glass walls, atriums, post-and-beam construction, radiant heat, and minimal ornamentation.

Set among the rolling foothills and leafy streets of Redwood City, the Sequoia Meadows Eichlers stand out for their timeless appeal and architectural integrity. They are living examples of Eichler’s philosophy — homes that are transparent, open, democratic, and deeply in tune with nature.

True Eichler Features: The Redwood City Authenticity Checklist

When identifying a genuine Eichler home in Redwood City, look for multiple architectural hallmarks working together. A single feature might be imitated, but the authentic Eichler experience is a blend of structural honesty, modern geometry, and seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

1. Exposed Post-and-Beam Construction

Eichler homes are built on a post-and-beam frame, where the structure itself is part of the design. Look for beams that extend continuously from inside to out, often visible in the eaves and ceilings. These beams are both structural and aesthetic, replacing the need for attic space and allowing for wide, column-free interiors.

In contrast, copycat homes may hide their framing behind drywall or fake decorative beams that don’t align logically across spaces. True Eichlers have no attic — just a thin roof membrane over exposed tongue-and-groove wood decking.

2. Tongue-and-Groove Wood Ceilings

One of the most beautiful Eichler signatures is the tongue-and-groove (T&G) wood ceiling. These are not decorative planks; they are the actual roof decking. Running between beams in long, continuous lines, they create warmth, rhythm, and a striking visual continuity.

Authentic Eichlers in Sequoia Meadows often feature these ceilings finished in natural or lightly painted tones. Tap them — they’re solid. A hollow sound or visible attic vent means you’re not looking at true Eichler construction.

3. Radiant-Heated Concrete Slab Floors

Eichler’s innovative radiant floor heating system was revolutionary for its time. Instead of bulky furnaces or vents, Eichlers used hot water pipes embedded in a concrete slab to heat the home evenly and quietly.

When touring an Eichler, look for signs like original boiler systems, copper cap covers, or the absence of ductwork and vents. Modernized systems may have been replaced, but the presence of the slab foundation and the lack of crawlspace are strong indicators of authenticity.

4. Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Walls

Perhaps the most visually striking Eichler feature is the wall of glass. These windows — often spanning from the floor to the beam above — dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. They’re framed in slim aluminum and aligned rhythmically with the post-and-beam grid.

In Sequoia Meadows, the front of the home is intentionally private — often a solid façade with clerestory windows — while the rear opens up completely to patios and gardens. Look for this contrast between privacy and openness; it’s the hallmark of Eichler design.

5. Central Atrium or Courtyard

Later Eichler tracts, including Sequoia Meadows, often feature an atrium plan — a central open-air courtyard surrounded by glass walls. It’s an architectural centerpiece that floods the home with natural light and creates a tranquil outdoor room at its heart.

Enter through a modest façade, and you’ll find yourself under the open sky before even stepping into the living room. This dramatic entry sequence — part indoor, part outdoor — is pure Eichler. Homes that have glass-lined courtyards visible from multiple rooms almost certainly belong to this design lineage.

Bonus Eichler Identifiers

• Flat or Low-Pitched Rooflines with broad eaves

• Vertical grooved wood siding and minimal exterior ornamentation

• Carports or simple garages integrated discreetly into the façade

• Philippine mahogany interior wall panels (often preserved or refinished)

• Absence of attics, basements, or decorative gables

If a home exhibits most or all of these traits, there’s a strong chance it’s an authentic Redwood City Eichler rather than an imitator.

For photo examples, architectural plans, and a full authenticity reference, visit EichlerHomesForSale.com.

Redwood City’s Mid-Century Modern Scene: Why Authenticity Matters

Redwood City’s mid-century housing stock includes everything from modest ranches to custom modernist builds. But among them, the Sequoia Meadows Eichlers hold a unique prestige. With their transparency, simplicity, and focus on livability, these homes embody a form of architectural honesty that imitators rarely achieve.

Because there are so few true Eichlers in Redwood City, understanding how to spot one is key for serious buyers and preservation-minded owners. When a genuine Eichler hits the market, it often attracts not only local buyers but also architecture enthusiasts from across Silicon Valley who appreciate its design lineage.

A well-preserved Eichler can command a premium because of its architectural pedigree, neighborhood cohesion, and timeless appeal. Buyers aren’t just purchasing a home — they’re becoming stewards of California’s modernist legacy.

To explore active listings and renovation resources, visit EichlerHomesForSale.com.

Conclusion: Embracing Eichler Authenticity in Redwood City

Spotting a true Eichler comes down to recognizing Joseph Eichler’s design DNA — exposed beams, T&G ceilings, glass walls, radiant floors, and a lifestyle built around light and openness. These homes aren’t just functional dwellings; they’re architectural statements that embody mid-century optimism and modern California living.

If you’re exploring Redwood City’s Sequoia Meadows neighborhood or any of the Peninsula’s mid-century enclaves, keep this checklist handy. It’s your blueprint for identifying genuine Eichlers and avoiding “Eichler-esque” imitations.

For the most accurate guidance in buying or selling an Eichler, partner with the experts who know them best:

Work with the Boyenga Team — Redwood City Eichler Specialists

Led by Eric and Janelle Boyenga, founding partners at Compass Real Estate, the Boyenga Team are recognized throughout Silicon Valley as the leading Eichler and Mid-Century Modern home experts.

Their in-depth knowledge of Claude Oakland’s designs, Eichler construction nuances, and Peninsula neighborhood dynamics gives clients an unmatched edge. Whether you’re restoring an original atrium model, preparing your home for market, or searching for an authentic Eichler, the Boyenga Team provides architecturally fluent representation that blends storytelling with strategy.

With Compass Concierge, design-forward marketing, and the reach of EichlerHomesForSale.com, they connect architectural homes with the right audience — modern enthusiasts who value design, heritage, and lifestyle.

Eric & Janelle Boyenga
Founding Partners | The Boyenga Team at Compass
📞 Call/Text: 408-373-1660
📧 Email: homes@boyenga.com
🌐 www.BoyengaTeam.com | EichlerHomesForSale.com
CA DRE #01254724 / #01254725