Winter Spectrum of Modernity

From the sublime to the ridiculous, from the must-read to the trivial, the Winter 2019 issue of the Eichler Network's CA-Modern magazine surveys a full spectrum of modernist topics.

In terms of a must-read, it's hard to imagine anything more pertinent for Eichler owners than an inside look at California's revised Title 24 energy regulations, which are a factor in nearly every remodel project save very minor ones. That's the lowdown provided by Eichler Network home improvement editor Tanja Kern in her latest feature, 'Dazed & Confused.'

"Today's remodels must meet Title 24 compliance when the changes impact the exterior building envelope—including walls, windows and doors, and roofs—or when they affect mechanical systems like heating, air conditioning, and ventilation…" Kerns warns in her thoroughly researched story on this perplexing issue. "The new code require that any replacement doors and windows meet Title 24 requirements."

"However," she writes of the primary dilemma for Eichler homes, "traditional vinyl windows [and sliding doors] do not satisfy the aesthetics preferences of most MCM [mid-century modern] homeowners." There are key tradeoffs to be made, Tanja explains, which is why her story is a must-read before remodeling an Eichler in 2019.

A similar concern for aesthetics drives another must-read piece in the Winter CA-Modern, wherein features editor Dave Weinstein describes the heroic efforts of residents in several Eichler neighborhoods at both ends of California to preserve the overall look of their neighborhoods.

'Why Wait 'til It's too Late?' is both the title and the question posed of other Eichler owners about the strategy of seeking legal protection in the form of zoning regulations and historic status to retain the architectural flavor of a community. Dave's story features neighborhoods pressed into action by an objectionable development or remodel, as well as ones that were pre-emptive in seeking regulation.

"Why not get out in front of the issue before the bulldozers arrive?" he asks reasonably of residents in unregulated, unprotected MCM neighborhoods. Weinstein relates the successes of this proactive approach in Marin County, Santa Clara, and Orange, with the latter two gaining historic recognition as proactive Eichler neighborhoods turning 50 years old.

Of course, some readers of CA-Modern (and other periodicals too) must start each issue with 'Dear Cherry,' their favorite end-of-the-issue feature. For them, Cherry Capri's advice column for healthy modern homemaking runs a wide spectrum this issue, from music to hospitality to vegetable juice.

In addition to such news-you-can-use as those three features, the Winter 2019 issue offers two stories on the more trivial side of MCM. These include the profiles of an 'architect' whose designs were never built and some unheralded architects who built a few special structures.

The first profile, 'Dreamscapes of Elegance,' is actually about a 20th century illustrator named Charles Schridde and his role in creating a modernist wonderland in a 1960s ad campaign for the Motorola company (of TV and stereo hi-fi fame).