Tucked away on a quiet flag lot in Palo Alto, California, this 1966 mid-century modern home—originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green and built by Eichler Homes—has been thoughtfully restored and expanded for a new generation. After remaining virtually untouched for more than fifty years, the residence has been reimagined to meet the needs of a young family of five, doubling its size while honoring Green’s original vision.
The architectural team at Schwartz and Architecture framed their approach around a single guiding principle: “First, do no harm.” Rather than imposing dramatic changes, the architects asked themselves, “What would Aaron Green do today?”
The original mid-century Eichler house measured 1,590 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Distinguished by its sculptural spider-like roof, unique scupper system, and a landscape defined by a natural swale managing the site’s high water table, the home presented both challenges and opportunities for expansion.
The brief called for a primary suite, new family spaces, and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—all while retaining the home’s mid-century modern character. The finished home now spans 3,102 square feet, yet the additions are designed to feel subtle, seamless, and respectful of Green’s architectural language.
Key interventions included the rear expansion with an upward-sloping roof that brought light into once-dark areas, a reimagined carport that now serves as a sunken family room, and a board-formed concrete wall creating privacy for the new primary suite. Clerestory windows soften the weight of the roofline while highlighting the home’s sculptural details.
Throughout the remodel, the architects salvaged and reintegrated original built-in furniture and finishes. Interior updates embrace mid-century values of simplicity, openness, and connection to nature, ensuring the spirit of the home remains intact.
“Our goal was to let the new interventions speak for themselves,” the architects note, “but always with Green’s legacy in mind.”
Expanded yet true to its roots, this Aaron Green Eichler house now stands as a timeless example of Palo Alto mid-century modern architecture, embodying both history and forward-looking design.
