ROOF LINES

Modern in the Mountains: Roof Lines

Completed in 1972, this “Modern in the Mountains” home has some gossip surrounding it. I have found no records endorsing the rumors, and I continue to reach out to sources (and any readers) that can shed some light on this home.

 

 
Sources report the home to be the product of the well-known George Alexander Building Company and/or one of their associated architects.  "Designed by Architects, Built by Master Builders for Permanent Value" was the motto in Alexanders' early ads. Perhaps this home was designed by the Modern era icon, William F. Cody http://psmodcom.org/index.php/william-f-cody/, or the not-as-commonly known Los Angeles Firm, Palmer and Krisel. http://psmodcom.org/index.php/william-krisel/, or maybe the home was designed by a Modern Architecture admirer. 

Alexander Homes were/are Palm Spring's most famous tract housing ("modern-to-the-masses") starting in the late 1950's: each home rotated and with a selected roof style as to not appear identical to its neighbor but each floor plan followed the same formula of parking, breezeway, windows, and wall.

This “Modern in the Mountains” home markedly duplicates the Alexander homes style: from the procession in the floor plan, to a flat roof capping clerestory windows that allow sunlight and mountain views, a center vaulted roof angled above soaring gabled glass walls; And, a hint of “butterfly” connecting the house to its carport and breeze way entry.

Post WWII + the second home

(This home sits just above 4000’ elevation and echoes the post WWII exodus into nature)

ABOVE HOME: A compact floor plan, a carport in the rear, and simple lines distinguish this home as a Modern mountain hideaway.  The green railing, wall of windows, and open beams are hallmarks of the Mid-century design principles. A stone fireplace holds up the pediment of the homes securing the architecture into the rocky hillside. Can't you see yourself perched on the balcony watching the birds or just relaxing after a day of hiking the elfin forest? ~ Year built and Architect: unknown

Post WWII getaway – the second home

The United States' economy had a surplus of money after the war and more Americans began building second homes.  Ending the Great Depression, WWII put men back to work, and even gave women a taste of earning an income. Families were prosperous, which opened opportunities for travel and vacation.

Popular Homes, Late Spring, 1956
Architects: Lee Mielke and Larry Smith

Print media spread the word and popularized the dream of a vacation retreat in the woods, “where nature at its best brings relaxation from the tempo of everyday living.” (Quoted from 1956’s Popular Home, a publication sponsored by the Tulsa Lumber Company)  Material suppliers hired architects to design conservative “camping lodges” using their products and would advertise the architects name and the building materials via these circulated magazines.

 

Popular Home, Late Spring, 1956 - Architectural rendering of interior.

The Spider House

The Spider House

Revisiting a historically noted Mid-century modern home 

TEXT and PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE ATTINGER

In 1964’s spring issue of Architectural Digest, John P. Moyer and his wife, Miriam Moyer, opened the door to their unique Southern California home.  John P. Moyer designed his home with simple and raw elements, such as exposed redwood beams, floor to ceiling windows, and a perfectly square floor plan.  Miriam Moyer put her touch on the interiors by selecting Mexican terra cotta tile and brick for the floors.  Along with her furnishings, walls, and décor which combined warm and shocking hues of pinks, rose reds and burnt siennas.

Time and several homeowners have faded the interiors with fresh paint and minor alterations.  Two doors are now walled-in; Douglas fir wall paneling is painted over; and the kitchen has been updated accommodating a dishwasher and garbage disposal.  However, the essence of John P. Moyer’s design remains pure with its architectural integrity. The unmistakable buttressed redwood patio structure evokes the present namesake, the spider house.  And though the bench seat has been removed and a railroad tie banding was brought together with the brick, the patio is still the most recognized and celebrated architectural feature of the home. 

The Spider House sits on a one acre property within the community of Pinyon Crest.  A thoroughbred collection of Pinyon pine trees, junipers, yucca, and oak shrubs surround the home in part of a thriving native habitat for several songbirds, reptiles, and insects.  With Southern California’s infamous fire season, the removal of the understory brush and grasses is the only landscape maintenance required.

And at an elevation of 4500 feet, the mid-century home boasts an amazing view to Palm Springs, Palm Desert and the entire Coachella valley. With approximately 1000 square feet of living space, fireplace and air conditioning, two bedrooms and two baths, a two car-carport with circular drive, this modern home on the mountain makes for an ideal year-round retreat. 

LEFT - FROM ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST (PHOTO BY GEORGE R. SZANIK) 1964 , RIGHT - 2012