The Swiss Miss Style

 

In the late 1950’s, tract housing was epidemic across North America. In Palm Springs the father-and-son team of George and Robert Alexander built more than 2,500 "tract" homes and helped to create an architectural style known as California or Desert Modern.

 

The architectural team of Dan Palmer and William Krisel designed most of the Alexander houses, except the 15 “Swiss Miss” variations.

 

A third partner, Dunas, wanted to do more exciting large scale houses, including an Alpine style. The Alexanders were relucant to change and prefered the Palmer & Krisel designs. Eventually they gave in and gave Dunas the freedom to do as he pleased with a few of the lots in a new development. 

 

Dunas took Palmer and Krisel's floor plan and gave it to a draftsman named Dubois,  to create the elevation. He came up with the Alpine-roofed room in the center of the house.

 

This mash-up of alpine, tiki, and modern style created a space where people could live in close and harmonious connection with  the unique Palm Springs setting and climate.

 

The Swiss Misses are rare and fabulous, their profile reflects the silhouette of the San Jacinto mountains and frame the view like no other midcentury style can.