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SO … WHAT IS AN ATOMIC RANCH?

 * June 21, 2024
 * Written by Rabekah Henderson and Photography by Bret Gum

Courtesy of Jim Brown.

Even though it’s the name of our magazine and website, we don’t blame you if you
aren’t entirely sure what an atomic ranch is! This iconic home style is one of
the foundations of Mid Century residential architecture and it traces its roots
back to the 1930s.The ranch home became emblematic of informal, practical living
in a postwar world, and it was radical departure from the closed-in, multi-story
dwellings of the day. So, follow along as we dive into the history of the ranch
and finally answer the question: “What is an atomic ranch?”

Cliff May‘s first ranch, the O’Leary House. Its stucco exterior and tile roof
hearken back to its Spanish Colonial inspiration. Courtesy of Before LA: Cliff
May’s Beginnings in San Diego.





THE ORIGINS OF THE RANCH

The atomic ranches we know and love today found their beginnings in 1932, when
architect Cliff May designed a home he called the “early California Ranch
house.” The design was inspired by the low-slung Spanish Colonial-style homes of
Southern California called ‘ranchos.’

In a New York Times article, May says of his ranch house: “I rebelled against
the boxy houses being built then. The ranch house was everything a California
house should be—it had cross-ventilation, the floor was level with the ground,
and with its courtyard and the exterior corridor, it was about sunshine and
informal outdoor living.”







The ranch house soon came into its own after World War II. With veterans
returning home and buying houses, the suburbs exploded. And the large, empty
suburban lots were the perfect space for long and low ranches. Additionally,
ranches were cheap and fast to build, so it’s hardly a surprise that by 1950, 9
out of 10 new homes were ranches!



These casual ranches shared many of the same features: a single-story, open
floor plan (a novelty at the time), a large picture window on the front facade
to create an indoor/outdoor feeling and an outdoor patio with a large yard for
entertaining and playing. Together, these dynamic homes allowed for easy family
living nationwide. They were a drastic departure from the more ‘formal’ homes of
the past.






MAKING IT MODERN

A lot of Mid Century Modern homes are ranches, but not all ranches are Mid
Century Modern. House Beautiful calls the atomic ranch the “cooler, more
contemporary cousin of ranches,” but how does your run-of-the-mill ranch become
an atomic one? By including plenty of Mid Mod motifs.





Atomic ranches like the Eichler or Alexander tract homes were built during the
peak of the ranch craze from 1945-1970. These ranches often went a step further
than a pretty picture window and included glass facades on the rear exterior of
the house to bring the outside in. Additionally, they could include clerestory
windows for a way to provide privacy and a light source, a butterfly or flat
roofline for a hint of Googie style, pops of color to keep things fun and a
focus on linear features to keep things simple.

This exterior of this Maryland atomic ranch features floor-to-ceiling glass
windows. Courtesy of Anice Hoachlander.

Together, these features created a home that was the perfect place for families
who wanted a modern and livable space. Atomic ranches were the forward-looking
homes that embodied a world full of exciting yet practical design and bold
choices for better living.

Ready to learn more about Mid Century Modern design? Check out the 5 Elements of
a Mid Century Modern Kitchen.

And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and
YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!

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RELATED TOPICS

 * mid century modern architecture
 * residential architecture
 * tract homes
 * what is an atomic ranch

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‹›

 * 
 * Author Bio

Rabekah Henderson

Rabekah Henderson is a freelance writer crafting stories about architecture,
design and the homes we live in. She's written in lifestyle and design
publications such as MyDomaine, Atomic Ranch and American Farmhouse Style.




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