History of Steel Houses:
Donald Wexler and the Alexander Construction Company were not the first to envision houses made of steel. In 1929, architect Richard Neutra built the steel-framed Lovell House. Many other twentieth century architects, from Albert Frey to Charles and Ray Eames, experimented with metal construction. However, these sophisticated houses were expensive custom designs, and they were not made using prefabricated metal parts.
During the 1940s, businessman and inventor Carl Strandlund launched a business making steel homes in factories, like cars. His company, the Lustron Corporation, shipped some 2,498 Lustron Steel Homes throughout the United States. The Lustron Corporation went bankrupt in 1950.
Alexander Steel Homes were much more sophisticated than Lustron Homes. Architect Donald Wexler combined prefab construction techniques with upscale modernist ideas. But, the rising cost of the prefabricated building parts made the Alexander Steel Homes impractical. Only seven were actually built.
Nevertheless, the steel houses that Donald Wexler designed inspired similar projects across the country, including a few experimental houses by real estate developer Joseph Eichler.
Where to Find Alexander Steel Houses:
- 290 Simms Road, Palm Springs, California
- 300 and 330 East Molino Road, Palm Springs, California
- 3100, 3125, 3133, and 3165 Sunny View Drive, Palm Springs, California
References:
