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San Rafael resident Robert Nebolon is an unabashed lover of Eichler homes.
Nebolon, a principal at Robert Nebolon Architects and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Marin Association of Builders, has been designing residential, commercial, public and civic projects since 1994, and the Eichlers are an important part of his history.
“My involvement with Eichlers goes back 20 years,” he said. “I have owned and renovated an Eichler building in the lower Lucas Valley; I have remodeled Eichlers in Burlingame and Cupertino for clients; and I have visited Eichler buildings in Greece. Frank Lloyd Wright’s house rented in St. Paul’s.”
Nebolon was also commissioned by Houseplans.com to design a set of plans (No. 438-1) inspired by Nebolon’s own Eichler, but on a larger scale and incorporating changes that brought the design into the 2000s.
His design was popular with at least one modern-loving midcentury couple in Knoxville, Tennessee, who built the house to Nebolon’s design. He toured the completed home in 2016 when he accepted the Designer of the Year award from the HGTV network in Tennessee.
Eichler’s design is “perfect for family living,” he said, with plans that are fluid, flexible and open. “This house expresses an optimistic view of the world where anything is possible and the sky is the limit.”
He likens living in one to driving a classic 1965 Ford Mustang convertible on a perfect weekend afternoon.
“The house and the car are both contemporaneous, both were designed and built in simpler times, both have a sporty personality, and both sit lightly on the land,” he said. “Slow, thick history isn’t what Eichler and the Mustangs are all about.”
However, just like a car, a dream home needs updates and maintenance. Every owner has to solve the dilemma that everyone faces – keep it in its original condition or modify it or restore modifications.
“Some recovery models are better than others,” he said. “The trick is to make changes that retain the character of the house while adding comfort and bringing the house into the 2020s.”
Here are his top six tips for improving the maintenance of your Eichler home.
• Replace all single glazing with double glazing.
“Glass units secured with wooden stops can be easily replaced with double-glazed units and do not require aluminum frames,” says Nebolon. This will retain the Eichler’s lightness and design while adding safety and comfort. “You may get protests from the general contractor or glazing company, but ignore them because it can be done and still comply with building and energy codes.”
• Replacement of the main electrical panel as the original Eichler circuit breakers are no longer manufactured and modern homes have higher power demands than the original 75 amp panel size.
“I recommend upgrading to at least 150 amps to prevent overloading,” he said. “You want modern circuit breakers to protect against electrical problems and fires caused by overheating of circuits.”
• Replace 3/8-inch thick grooved planks with new 5/8-inch planks to meet minimum specifications.
“Here’s a good source – Eichler Siding in San Rafael,” Nebolon said. “Insulate walls when replacing siding.”
• Retain original globe lighting fixtures.
“These are iconic products, like the three-part Ford Mustang rear taillights,” he said.
• Eichlers may have problems with their roofs.
“Monitor the condition of the flat roof area,” he said. “Don’t install a spray-on roof; these installations are easy and often sloppy. Instead, it’s better to remove the entire roof to the deck before moving in because it can be messy.
He recommends using short nails that won’t penetrate the decking, installing at least 2 inches of nailable rigid insulation, making sure it stops at the wall below without extending into the gutters, and then installing the roof over it.
“There are generally two types of roofs that can be installed over rigid insulation,” he said, noting that the original asphalt and gravel roofs are no longer in use. “Torch down asphalt rolls or single-ply membrane roofs.”
• Separate interior and exterior walls.
“Insulate interior walls for sound insulation and exterior walls for thermal comfort,” he said. “Also, change interior doors from hollow core to solid core. It’s nice to have a quieter home and adds value.”
• Prevent cantilever beams from sagging.
“The rule of thumb is that two-thirds of the beam should be embedded in the wall and one-third should be visible or cantilevered,” he says. “In some (Eichler) cases, only half of the beam is actually embedded.”
His solution? “A 4-by-4 post was installed under the recessed beam end and the concrete slab was secured to the anchors by modifying the hold-downs,” he said. “Then, secure a strap from (the column) to the beam end above the sides. This will prevent them from sagging over time and repair those that have already sagged.”
He insists that it is a noble endeavor for those who embark on this path. “By embracing the legacy of Joseph Eichler and his team of incredibly talented architects, you can contribute to the ongoing story of these iconic mid-century modern homes.”
For more information, visit rnarchitect.com and Instagram @robertnebolon.
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If you have a beautiful or interesting Marin garden or newly designed Marin home, I’d love to hear about it.
Please send an email describing one (or both), what you like most about it, and a photo or two. I’ll post the best ones in upcoming columns. Your name will be published and you must be 18 years or older and a Marin resident.
Not to be missed event
• You can enjoy the scene Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Marin Civic Center parking lot on Civic Center Drive in San Rafael at French Market Marin music, and browse antiques and vintage items outdoors. Admission and parking are free. Visit thefrenchmarketmarin.com.
• Learn how to grow roses using organic pest and disease methods from Kevin Sadlier, owner of Green Jeans Garden Supply in Mill Valley, at the Marin Rose Society’s monthly meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center (180 Camino Alto). Refreshments will be served and an optional raffle will follow. Guests are asked to donate $5. Call 415-457-6045 or visit marinrose.org.
PJ Bremier writes every Saturday about home, garden, design and entertainment topics. You can contact her at PO Box 412, Kentfield 94914 or pj@pjbremier.com.
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