Arts & Crafts / California RanchIntro
California Ranch 1932–1970
Also called the Western Ranch or the early Ranch, these modern houses architect-designed, built for casual family living and an outdoors lifestyle.
We’re
talking here about a deliberate new style of residential
architecture—not the tract houses of a generation later. California
architect Cliff May (1909–1989) is credited with the first modern
Ranch, built in an Diego in 1932. Consciously interpreting the ranchos
of the mid-19th century, May was one of many notable post-Arts and
Crafts architects. A prolific designer and promoter, May sold the style
that he himself called “the early California ranch house” throughout
the West. He spoke not only about the architectural form, but also
about the casual, family-oriented culture of the early (Mexican)
Californians, whose gallant hospitality was legendary. Working in
tandem with landscape architects, May designed low houses that followed
the contours of the land, enclosing a courtyard or patio with carefully
planned views of nature. Floor plans were open, always with a family
room. By the mid-‘30s, his ranch houses had been published by Sunset
magazine and nationally.
Evolution of the Ranch
THE
MODERN RANCH was the result of a conscious attempt by architects in the
Southwest to crate a contemporary family house based on early regional
forms, which were essentially Spanish.
SURBURBAN
ranch houses, for the most part, retained recognizable characteristics
of the style: ground-hugging, one storey and one room deep, integrated
with nature—and always with a patio.
THE
TRACT RANCH was a post-war versions of the style Many millions of these
mall houses were built in developments nationwide during the building
booms of the 1950s and 1960s. Some of them are legitimate Ranches,
Western in feelings. Others are very plain houses or Colonialized
versions. They are being rediscovered now, as many are in desirable
suburbs. Some will be remodeled and enlarged; others will be treated to
mid-century Modern decorating.
Recommended Books
The Ranch House
by Alan Hess: Harry N. Abrams, 2004.
Proof
that the Ranch has taken its place as a legitimate American historic
style, even with the inclusion of simpler and later examples. Offering
a broad (but defensible) definition of the Ranch in all its forms, the
book draws parallels with Bungalow and Modern architecture. The bulk of
the book is a 140-page chapter showing 26 restored homes (built
1935-1968). Never has the Ranch looked so good.
Western Ranch Houses
by Cliff May: Sunset Magazine, 1958. Still available.Eichler
Modernism
Rebuilds the American Dream by Paul Adamson: Gibbs Smith, 2003. A
really beautiful book in all ways, this one captures the essence of its
subject: Joseph Eichler, the builder who reshaped middle-class houses
with his combination of architectural panache and social conscience.
History, architecture, photos old and new.
Eichler Homes, Design for Living
by Jerry Ditto: Chronicle Books, 1995
The first book on Eichler, documenting the breadth of his influence.
Atomic Ranch
by Michelle Gringeri-Brown: Gibbs Smith, 2006
A
beautifully photographed book covering the post-war ranch, 1946 to
1970, with an emphasis on Modern design. Includes Eichler homes and
those in Palm Springs, Florida, but also brick L-shaped ranches and
split-levels around the country. Ranch House Style by Catherine Samon:
Clarkson Potter, 2003 The builder’s ranch rediscovered as an adaptable
form for expansion or decorating in various styles. Lots of interior
photos.
Updating Ranches
by M. Caren Connolly: Taunton, reprinted 2006
Twenty examples of updated and new ranch houses, with before and after floor plans and interior details.
see also
Atomic Ranch (quarterly magazine)atomic-ranch.com
