Sunnyvale Eichler Renovation Designed for Light and Longevity
This Sunnyvale Eichler home was originally defined by low ceilings and limited natural light, conditions that became increasingly challenging for a couple planning to age in place. The goal of the renovation was to dramatically improve daylight, openness, and comfort while honoring the architectural principles that define Eichler homes and navigating Sunnyvale’s design review process for preserved neighborhoods.
Client
Carny Residence
Year
2018
The Challenge
Eichler homes are known for their strong architectural identity, but many were built with ceiling heights and layouts that no longer meet modern living needs. In this case, the low ceilings made the home feel compressed and dim, limiting comfort and long-term usability.
Key priorities included
Increasing ceiling height without compromising the Eichler character
Introducing clerestory windows to bring in significant natural daylight
Maintaining the integrity of the home’s midcentury design language
Navigating Sunnyvale design review, where Eichler neighborhoods are carefully preserved
Creating a comfortable, functional home that supports aging in place
The Approach
The design focused on lifting the experience of the home while remaining true to its architectural roots. By introducing clerestory ceilings, we were able to raise ceiling planes and flood the interior with natural light while keeping the home’s iconic horizontal lines intact.
Warm wood elements were carefully integrated to reinforce the Eichler aesthetic and create visual continuity throughout the home. The design balanced openness with intimacy, ensuring the spaces felt calm and comfortable rather than over-scaled. Every intervention was intentional, enhancing livability without erasing the home’s original character.
Sunnyvale Eichler Design Review
Because Eichler neighborhoods in Sunnyvale are preserved, the project required formal design review. We prepared detailed drawings and documentation to clearly demonstrate how the proposed changes respected the original architecture while improving function and accessibility.
By engaging thoughtfully with the design review process and addressing preservation concerns early, the project moved forward smoothly. The approvals reflected a balance between honoring midcentury design principles and adapting the home for modern living.
The Result
The completed renovation transforms the home into a light-filled, serene living environment. Tall ceilings and clerestory windows dramatically change the feel of the interior, bringing in daylight throughout the day and creating a strong connection to the outdoors.
Beautiful wood elements and refined detailing highlight the home’s architectural heritage while supporting a modern, comfortable lifestyle. The result is a home that feels open, warm, and timeless, perfectly suited for a couple planning to live there for many years to come.
Thoughtful clerestory design allowed the home to gain light and volume without losing the character that makes Eichler homes special.
Working within Sunnyvale’s Eichler preservation guidelines ensured the renovation respected the neighborhood while delivering a meaningful improvement in daily living.
Designing Homes That Work in Sunnyvale
Prestin Ravid Architects designs renovations, additions, and new homes throughout Sunnyvale and the greater South Bay and Peninsula, with particular experience in Eichler neighborhoods and preserved architectural districts.
For homeowners considering an Eichler renovation in Sunnyvale, our approach balances architectural respect, thoughtful daylighting, and a clear path through design review to create homes that feel both authentic and livable.