San Diego’s ‘Electri-Living Home for Tomorrow’ (1957-58) by Paderewski, Mitchell & Dean Architects
San Diego’s ‘Electri-Living Home for Tomorrow’ was designed by Paderewski, Mitchell & Dean Architects and built by Jackson & Scott in 1957-58 was heralded for its “exciting modern design… equipped with the latest modern power devices and appliances.”
Beyond Arts & Architecture's Case Study House program, Electri-Living Homes played a key role in displaying the latest for home buyers to consider. The Electri-Living series saw Westinghouse and General Electric partner with local developers and architects to design and build 12 model homes across the country. These homes served as public platforms for introducing home buyers to the latest electrical technologies and appliances including dimmer switches, thermostats, clothes washers, ovens, cooktops and a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting schemes.
These homes were held open to the public for weeks following completion so partnering vendors could leverage their integral role in making the future come alive. Each of 12 houses was given a budget of $18,000 exclusive of the property costs. The program had three guidelines: to satisfy the emotional and special needs of an average young couple with two to four children, to accommodate the full electrical load of household appliances now on the market with allowances for additional equipment in the future, and to be adaptable to the builder house market.
Upon its completion, San Diego's Electri-Living Home was promoted as "The style of the house is an exciting modern design and it is fully equipped with the latest modern power devices and appliances ranging from a heat pump to an electric can opener. The builders have gone beyond the push-button stage in creating this house because so much of the equipment is fully automatic, requiring little or no attention. All of the accessories contribute to the ease of modern living. The project is jointly sponsored by the San Diego Gas and Electric Co. and it is one of 12 Electri-Living Homes which will compete in an national contest sponsored by the magazine Living for Young Homemakers Magazine… The era of gadget push buttons has converted into a demonstration of practical modern living ease in a new home in Del Cerro which was opened yesterday for public inspection. Hundreds visited the Electri-Living Home built by Jackson and Scott.”
San Diego’s Electri-Living home was one of a dozen high-tech homes across the United States. Each project was a partnership between local vendors and national manufacturers showcasing the latest in electrical technologies, appliances and design. Partnering firms for the project were San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Walter Broderick & Associates (Interiors), General Electric (providing a complete built-in kitchen), Living for Young Homemakers Magazine, and University Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
When published, the design was "the perfect marriage of site and house” that “hugs the ground while holding its head high in the air."
Also, recognized as a ‘Gold Medallion’ home by San Diego Gas & Electric at the time, this Del Cerro 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home of 1,821 square feet is walking distance to retail shopping/services and freeway access. From its unique siting, and ideal floorplan for indoor-outdoor living, the Electri-Living home is set for decades of enjoyment ahead.
This home has a very unique history to go along with its trailblazing design. Recent work has included rebuilding the front deck and stairway, a number of kitchen improvements including counters and backsplash, cabinetry refacing, new appliances and low-maintenance landscaping.
This Electri-Living Home is listed for sale by Keith York of Agents of Architecture, Inc.