Modern vs. Traditional Architecture

2003 General Plan for Village Character

We reference the June 2003 General Plan Introduction to reinforce that our mission has been already endorsed by the City:

“Carmel-by-the-Sea is internationally recognized as a unique small coastal community with a residential village character. Early development was predominantly residential. Commercial development began as small-scale village enterprises designed to serve the needs of the local residents. Through the years, these commercial uses have expanded to cater largely to visitors.

Located adjacent to Carmel Bay with gently rising slopes, the City has conscientiously retained its residential village character in a forest setting, dominated by Monterey Pines. The special character of this residential coastal community is considered a unique asset of statewide and national significance that should be maintained as a resource both for local residents and for visitors.”

The above states that the special character of this “residential” coastal community is a state and national asset. Since modern style architecture evokes a “commercial” character, modern style is not in keeping with the valuable “residential village character” of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Modern Style Architecture Elements

(Some traditional style homes may include certain details below on occasion)

Box like appearance
Cubism architecture
Large surfaces without relief
Undivided glass windows
Elements without detail or trim
Artificial/Man-made vs natural or authentic materials
Starkly contrasting colors (e.g., Bright white with black trim)
Ribbed-metal, asymmetrical, flat and/or shallow pitched roofs
Use of industrial materials such as steel, glass and concrete, or obvious faux materials
Horizontal wood or wire fencing

General appearance evoking reactions of a, cold, unfriendly, machine-like, lifeless, impersonal, sensational, trendy, ubiquitous, powerful, stunning, ostentatious, commercial, and/or overpowering building

Traditional Design Elements

Natural materials
Pleasant open spaces
Abundant landscaping where home fits into its natural environment
Carmel Stone and local granite
Wooden hand carved doors
Wood, or authentic appearing window frames, sills, and moldings
Wooden, stone, or authentic appearing roofing materials
Detail and craftsmanship
Embellished work with detail
Create interest and continual delight in design
Surfaces are broken up by ridges, insets, decorative tiles, cavities, niches, and changes of material
Textures show great variety from smooth troweled plaster, brick, stone, rock, painted, carved, stained or rough-cut wood
Corners exhibit bevels, bullnoses, cornices, and moldings

General appearance evoking reactions of a warm, friendly, unassuming, inviting, magical, whimsical, cozy, welcoming, heartwarming, and human scale home

Misconceptions of Traditional Design

There exist acceptable traditional styles that might be thought of as modern. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is an example of such acceptable traditional architecture. If the home is tested against the criteria for traditional design, it clearly exhibits the acceptable elements below. Most importantly it is the least intrusive design possible for its location:

Natural materials
Pleasant open spaces
Abundant landscaping
Carmel Stone and local granite
Wood, or authentic appearing window frames, sills, and moldings
Wooden, stone, or authentic appearing roofing materials
Detail and craftsmanship
Embellished work with detail
Create interest and continual delight in design
Surfaces are broken up by ridges, insets, decorative tiles, cavities, niches, and changes of material
Textures show great variety from smooth troweled plaster, brick, stone, rock, or exposed aggregate to painted, carved stained or rough-cut wood
Corners exhibit bevels, bullnoses, cornices, and moldings

Creativity and Freedom of Expression

As a community based on the concept of creativity and freedom of expression, we want to encourage creative ideas within a complimentary sphere. However, if we don’t create boundaries, we might have neighbors building something modern like these: