Twin Gable House: A Modern Eichler Home Renovation by Ryan Leidner Architecture

Located in Sunnyvale, California, the Twin Gable House by Ryan Leidner Architecture is a thoughtful Eichler home renovation that balances modern comfort with the architectural integrity of its mid-century roots. Originally designed in 1962 by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons, this Eichler model—known as Plan OJ-1605—was envisioned as a courtyard-centered home where living spaces wrapped harmoniously around an open-air atrium.

Preserving the Eichler Spirit

When the homeowners, both designers working in the tech industry, discovered the property, they were immediately drawn to its strong architectural DNA. Their vision for the renovation was clear: to preserve the essence of the Eichler design while introducing contemporary updates that would make the house more energy-efficient, family-friendly, and seamlessly connected to the outdoors.

The architectural team began by stripping away decades of remodels, removing shag carpets, mirrored walls, and outdated cabinetry to uncover the home’s authentic framework. This process of refinement revealed the clarity of the post-and-beam structural system, which became the foundation for the renovation.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living

A defining feature of the remodel is the emphasis on openness and fluidity. Walls were strategically removed to expand sightlines and circulation, while large pocketing sliding glass doors were installed along the rear façade. These expansive openings dissolve the boundary between interior living spaces and the lush garden beyond, designed by Stephens Design Studio. The addition of a pool further reinforces the connection to outdoor living, creating a private sanctuary for the family.

A Refined Material Palette

Material choices were central to the home’s transformation, carefully selected to balance minimalism with warmth. Large-format porcelain tiles unify the flooring across interiors and exteriors, creating a sense of continuity. The refinished tongue-and-groove wood ceiling and beams honor the home’s mid-century character, while smooth painted walls provide a clean canvas for modern living.

White oak cabinetry introduces natural warmth, complemented by Carrara marble countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen. The front façade was re-clad with vertical red cedar strips cut at alternating depths, a subtle nod to the original grooved plywood siding while concealing a flush garage door.

An Atrium at the Heart

The central courtyard, a hallmark of Eichler design, remains the soul of the Twin Gable House. As the first space encountered upon entry, it sets the tone for the home’s inward-looking design, providing natural light, ventilation, and a moment of calm before moving into the living areas. This balance of openness and intimacy is at the heart of the renovation’s success.

A Contemporary Family Home with Mid-Century Roots

Though its footprint of 2200 square feet remains unchanged, the reimagined home now includes an open-plan kitchen and living room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage. Every decision in the renovation was guided by the goal of making the house more livable for a modern family while honoring the architectural spirit of Eichler’s vision.

The Twin Gable House exemplifies how Eichler home renovations can breathe new life into mid-century icons—respecting history while embracing contemporary lifestyles. It stands as a model for how thoughtful architecture can transform a dated structure into a timeless home, one that celebrates both the past and the future.

All Photographs are works of Joe Fletcher Photography