New California Classics: California Modern
Author:Lindsey ShookTucked within the Pacific Palisades, two iconic homes have shaped the architectural legacy of California’s coast: the Eames House and Neutra’s Bailey House. Though built decades ago, their influence still reverberates through contemporary design, particularly in the quaint Alphabets neighborhood, where narrow lots and ocean vistas inspire a unique architectural dialogue.
On the slender 40-by-130-foot parcels, architects have turned to the Eames House as a masterclass in spatial efficiency. The slim proportions of the Eames House serve as a blueprint for navigating the tight constraints of these lots. By orienting homes westward along north-south streets, designers have found a way to capture sweeping ocean views while ushering in the Pacific’s cool breezes. The addition of decks above single-story garages elevates this experience, fostering a lifestyle that feels deeply connected to both nature and community—an ethos that resonates with the Eames’s original vision of thoughtful, human-centered design.

Just a few blocks away, on the broader 50-by-160-foot lots, the architectural language shifts. Here, the Bailey House’s horizontal expanse and Neutra’s groundbreaking “four-courter” concept have left a profound imprint. These homes open with welcoming entry courtyards, revealing interiors that unfold like gallery spaces, flowing seamlessly into the outdoors. These spaces act more like extensions of the living area—where family and entertain- ing can converge.
This architectural lineage—known as California Modern—holds a central place in the state’s design narrative. Emerging in the post-World War II era, it was a response to both the housing boom and the unique lifestyle shaped by California’s mild climate. “This adaptation gave rise to groundbreaking designs that expertly blurred the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, a defining characteristic of the California way of life,” explains Shannon Wollack, cofounder of Studio Lifestyle.
The movement gained momentum through the Case Study House Program, an experimental initiative by Arts & Architecture magazine between 1945 and 1966. Architects like Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames and Pierre Koenig were commissioned to create homes that embodied modernist ideals while addressing practical demands—affordability, efficiency and beauty. Their homes, often composed of flat roofs, expansive glass walls and minimalist detailing, showcased how modern design could be accessible to the everyday American family.
Pacific Palisades became a proving ground for these ideas. The Eames House (Case Study House no. 8) became a symbol of prefabrication’s potential, using industrial materials to create a warm, livable space. Neutra’s Bailey House (Case Study House no. 20) explored his early iterations of the four-courter concept, setting the stage for later masterpieces like the Kaufmann House. Meanwhile, Pierre Koenig’s steel-framed structures, including the iconic Stahl House (no. 22), epitomized the seamless indoor-outdoor connection that defined California Modernism. Pioneers like Rudolph Schindler and Albert Frey further expanded these ideas, refining them to suit various microclimates and terrains across California.

Rendering by May Sung and Frances Hsu of SUBU Architecture.
Today, as California faces urgent environmental challenges—from wildfires and droughts to the pressing need for sustainable housing—the principles of California Modern design are proving more relevant than ever. These homes, inherently designed to harmonize with their surroundings, offer natural strategies for climate resilience. Large windows and open floor plans not only enhance natural light but also facilitate passive cooling through cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial systems. “The beauty of California Modern is that it evolves,” says Wollack. Contemporary adaptations of the style seamlessly incorporate cutting-edge technologies: high-performance glazing, advanced insulation, smart home systems and solar power integrations. Materials like steel, reinforced concrete and plaster are not just aesthetic choices but strategic ones, offering enhanced fire resistance while minimizing environmental impact.
Water conservation, too, is embedded in this design philosophy. Drought-tolerant landscaping, efficient irrigation and passive water-management techniques are natural extensions of the California Modern ethos. Additionally, passive-house principles—airtight construction, superior insulation—blend effortlessly with this architectural style, creating homes that maintain comfort with minimal energy consumption.
Beyond energy efficiency, these design choices have profound implications for health and well-being. Abundant daylight, natural ventilation and nontoxic materials foster healthier indoor environments, improving air quality and enhancing the overall living experience. “In essence, California Modern homes can be thoughtfully designed to be remarkably energy-efficient, environmentally conscious and inherently comfortable,” says May Sung, founder of SUBU Design Architecture. “This aligns perfectly with the state’s critical goals for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. This holistic approach makes them exceptionally well-suited to adapt to the changing climate and play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future.”