Will Insurance Cover Costs? - Page 2

A sidebar to 'Breaking New Ground' tells the story of general contractor Troy Kudlac and his project to build a new home in Palm Springs based on the architectural plans of an Eichler model originally designed by architect Claude Oakland.

"The biggest challenge has most definitely been the roof," says the builder, noting that electrical, heating and air, and robust insulation had to be added there to meet building codes—without significantly changing the roofline.

"We wanted the house to look as much like an Eichler as possible," Kudlac says, noting that he expects to have the home, the first Eichler ever built in the desert, open to the public for Palm Springs' Modernism Week in February.

Regardless, it becomes apparent that recreating the Eichler vision is indeed possible in this decade, despite seismic, energy, and economic hurdles. Skeptics be damned, oh ye of little faith.

"I think this home will be a good example of proving them wrong," says contractor Henry Calvert with can-do spirit about an Eichler-like home he and architect John Klopf are erecting to replace a burned-out Eichler in the San Mateo Highlands.

You can read more about the four building projects underway—while getting a sneak preview of the new winter '15 CA-Modern—by clicking here right now for 'Breaking New Ground.'