“Is this the same kind of heating they used in Eichler homes?”
That question came through on one of our Facebook posts recently, and it’s a good one. The answer? Yes, with some big modern upgrades.
Radiant floor heating isn’t just a smart choice for new builds. It can also be a fantastic fit for mid-century modern homes, especially those built with slab foundations and open-concept floorplans, think classic Eichler homes and other mid-century styles from the 1940s to 1970s.
Let’s take a look at how it all connects.
A Quick History: Eichler Homes & Radiant Heat
Joseph Eichler wasn’t just building homes, he was building a philosophy. Inspired by living briefly in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, Eichler became determined to make modern, architecturally significant housing available to average American families. From the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, his company, Eichler Homes, built over 11,000 homes across California, focusing on clean lines, open spaces, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
What made Eichler stand out wasn’t just the style, it was the ethos. He believed in open floor plans, walls of glass, radiant warmth from below, and even racial integration in housing, which was incredibly progressive for his time. He famously refused to use racially restrictive covenants and was one of the few developers in mid-century America to sell homes to people of all backgrounds.
Photo Credit to Veronica Weber
Eichler’s homes featured exposed beams, atriums, and slab-on-grade construction, all of which made radiant floor heating a perfect fit, both practically and aesthetically. His legacy lives on today, not just in beautifully preserved neighborhoods, but in the continued appeal of warm, modern, energy-efficient design.
Why Many Older Radiant Systems Failed
Fast-forward 60+ years, and many of those copper systems are long gone. Why?
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Copper corrodes, especially when exposed to concrete and oxygen. While copper is generally corrosion-resistant, long-term exposure to certain concrete compositions, especially those with high sulfur content, and persistent moisture can create acidic or aggressive environments that accelerate deterioration. Additionally, the thermal expansion of copper within rigid concrete can lead to abrasion or stress fractures over time if not properly sleeved or protected.
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Slabs weren’t always insulated properly, causing heat loss downward. Green Building Advisor
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Repairs were difficult, often requiring removal of flooring and breaking into the slab.
As a result, many homeowners removed or abandoned their radiant systems and replaced them with forced-air. But that doesn’t mean radiant is outdated. In fact, modern systems using PEX tubing are much more durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. Uponor
Can You Add Radiant to an Existing Mid-Century Home?
Yes, and you’ve got a few options depending on your home’s structure:
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Existing slab foundation? You may be able to use a thin overpour with embedded PEX. Tumblr
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Subfloor access from below? Staple-up radiant systems are a common retrofit option.
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Renovating? That’s a great time to add radiant tubing before installing new floors.
Every home is different, so layout, flooring materials, and insulation levels all factor in—but radiant heating is often a great match for mid-century spaces.
Why Radiant Just Works in Mid-Century Homes
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Minimalism & Clean Lines: No vents or grates. Dwell
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Large Windows & Open Spaces: Radiant heating offsets perimeter heat loss.
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Quiet Living: Radiant systems are silent (no fans or blowers).
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Zone Control: Mid-century homes often benefit from zoned comfort in wings or additions.
Radiant heating supports the core values of mid-century design: comfort, function, and simplicity.
The Modern Upgrade
If you're renovating or restoring a mid-century home, radiant floor heating brings back the comfort of those original systems, but without the headaches of old materials. And with modular systems like HUG Hydronics, it’s possible to install in zones, fit tight mechanical spaces, and work with all-electric heat sources.
Want to Know if Radiant Works in Your Home?
Send us your floor type, layout, or remodel plans, we’ll happily help you explore your options. Radiant heat isn’t just for new homes, it’s also for homes that were ahead of their time.
🔍 Sources & References
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What Are Eichler Homes and Why Do People Love Them? - Dwell
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Eichler Radiant Heating - Eichler Network
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Radiant Heating and Cooling - Green Building Advisor
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Why PEX-a Tubing is Better Fact Sheet - Uponor
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Radiant Heat Retrofit - Warmboard Radiant
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