Future House(s):Genealogy: Eames House

The Eames house was an experimental demonstration entry in the case study house initiative. Its primary focus was functionality in the search for ideal home after WWII. It was targeted for mass production using industrial technology.

Constructed with the same “urgency and energy” as during the war, it is aimed to improve the “qualitative changes” of residential housing and life style while promoting modernism.

Influences of Mies van der Rohe’s, Japanese architecture and Mondrian art can be seen. However, Eames house is considered an original in massing, proportions and treatment of the simple exterior. The retaining wall at ground level doubles as a part of the envelope on one side. The landscape is used as an integral part of the façade similar to Japanese architecture. Minimalist, natural materials, simple form, light and shadow created by Shoji screen like glass paneling that vary from translucent to transparent, plus the incorporation of wood cladding in the interior, can be portrayed as further Japanese influence.

The two storey living space and a studio are constructed as two steel cages. 51 and 37 feet in length consecutively, they are connected by a brick paved patio. A spiral stair leads to the upper floor of the living space and a conventional stair leads to the loft like area above the studio. Form is considered a by-product of the industrial energies than a point of departure. Light and flexible interior spaces include the 23x20 feet double height space. 4x4 inch thin and delicate structural members at times rise 17 feet. Rather than the structure the infill panels create the sense of massing.

Exposed structural members, steel beams panning the ceiling, and infill panel emphasizes the structure rather than concealing it. In doing so the functional use of materials is articulated. Materials used include transparent glass, security glass, fiber glass, plywood, grey asbestos and painted aluminum panels. These contrast and provide a lively atmosphere through the dark structural grids against painted red, blue, ochre and black panels. Eames house created a precedent for modernist concept and avant-garde in California.