|
|
|
Uploaded: Friday, February 15, 2013, 8:57 AM
How to create an 'Eichler' in 2013
Materials, building codes have changed in last 60 years
|
|
by Carol Blitzer
Palo Alto Weekly Staff
Photo
 | Recreating an Eichler isn't as simple as it sounds. Building codes have changed, with new requirements for insulation and wiring, for example.
Some of the original materials are now "endangered," according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and others are considered toxic.
The 2013 Eichler homes, just like the originals, are expected to emulate Frank Lloyd Wright's "dry construction" method, which meant having no applied finishes -- no paint, wallpaper or plaster, according to Monique Lombardelli, who plans to built individual Eichlers.
"Wood is wood; brick is brick; concrete is concrete," she said.
Here's a comparison of materials that were used to build an Eichler and those that could be used in 2013.
Flooring
Original: Asbestos tile; Armstrong cork tile (in custom homes, colored concrete)
New: Slate; cork; concrete
Paneling
Original: Philippine mahogany
New: Drywall needed to meet code; many different looks, including mahogany
Ceilings
Original: Douglas fir; pine
New: Redwood
Roof
Original: No attic; 1 inch of fiberglass insulation
New: No attic; foam
Countertops
Old: Formica; stainless steel
New: Natural stone, slate, concrete
Stoves
Original: Electric (Thermador)
New: Gas and electric induction
Insulation
Original: None
New: Sheetrock walls, drill holes in exterior wall and add insulation in wall cavity
Windows, sliding doors
Original: Single-paned glass
New: Double-paned glass
Sources: Mark Marcinek, Monique Lombardelli, www.rainforestinfo.org.au, www.iucnredlist.org
Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
|
|
| Comments
|
There are no comments yet for this story. Be the first!
|
|
|
| |

Best Website
First Place
2009-2012
|