Eichler-Inspired Design Transforms This 1950s Lakefront Home

From a simple renovation to a complete rebuild from the foundation up

What began as a modest renovation soon became a complete reimagining of a 1950s lakefront home—thanks to a rare combination of architectural vision and client trust. In this project, the homeowners didn’t just hire architects; they listened to them. What followed was a clear demonstration of what happens when open-minded clients embrace the full potential of thoughtful design.

The result is an Eichler-inspired home that captures the essence of mid-century modern principles without falling into nostalgia. Its single-storey layout allows the house to sit quietly in the landscape, leaving neighbours’ views undisturbed and offering a more human scale when approached from outside. The form invites you in, rather than imposing itself.

Inside, rooms feel connected yet distinct. Air and light move naturally. Nothing is showy, everything considered. It’s a reminder that great homes aren’t built just with concrete, timber and glass—but with dialogue, respect, and a shared belief in design as a tool for better living. Enjoy.

(Marco Guagliardo - Editor in Chief at Mid-Century Home)

The transformation of a 1950s lake house into a contemporary Eichler-inspired home exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern living. The homeowners, former commercial clients of the HDG Architecture team, initially aimed to renovate their lakefront property.

However, after reviewing the existing plans, the architects proposed a complete rebuild from the foundation up, a suggestion the clients embraced.