Eichler Floor Plans Compared: Models 1003 and 1004

Many people recognize an Eichler home by its walls of glass, exposed post-and-beam construction, or open-air atrium. Those who study Eichler architecture usually begin somewhere else: the floor plan.

Every Eichler model represents a specific architectural solution, not simply a different size of house. Developed through Joseph Eichler's collaboration with Anshen & Allen and Jones & Emmons, these plans explored how families actually lived, balancing privacy, openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between the home and its landscape.

Among the best examples are Models 1003 and 1004, introduced in Eichler's 1959 sales literature. While they share the same architectural language, each was designed for a different way of living.

Why the Model Number Matters

An Eichler model number identifies an original floor plan, not just a bedroom count or square footage. Across San Jose and other Eichler communities, the same models appear repeatedly, making identification an important part of understanding a home's architectural provenance.

For buyers, knowing the original model helps explain how the house was intended to function before later additions or remodels. For sellers, preserving or documenting the original layout can add valuable context for discerning buyers who appreciate architectural integrity.

Model 1003: Compact, Open, and Flexible

Model 1003 is a three-bedroom, two-bath design that demonstrates how thoughtful planning can make a home feel larger than its footprint. Hallways are minimized, living spaces flow naturally together, and large expanses of glass connect the interior directly to private patios.

One of the plan's strongest features is its multi-purpose room. Originally intended for recreation, hobbies, or study, it adapts just as easily today as a home office, studio, media room, or guest space.

The primary suite includes a dressing area and compartmentalized bath, while sliding glass doors from the living room, primary bedroom, and multi-purpose room reinforce Eichler's signature indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Model 1004: More Space Without Losing Simplicity

Model 1004 builds upon the same architectural principles with a four-bedroom, two-bath layout designed for larger households.

The additional bedroom increases flexibility while maintaining the open planning that defines Eichler architecture. Like Model 1003, the primary suite includes a private bath, dressing room, and vanity, reflecting a level of planning uncommon in production housing during the late 1950s.