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8106 Chalk Knoll Drive
8106 Chalk Knoll Drive
Julie Mack RealtorJulie Mack Realtor
Relax by the outdoor water features or play bocce ball with a friend in your own private court.
Photo of a large southwestern partial sun side yard stone landscaping in Austin for summer.
Stanford Mid-Century Modern Remodel Addition
Stanford Mid-Century Modern Remodel Addition
Klopf ArchitectureKlopf Architecture
The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed
Our Work
Our Work
Jasmin Landscape Design Build MaintainJasmin Landscape Design Build Maintain
Front yard with deer and drought resistant vegetation.
Inspiration for a small drought-tolerant front yard landscaping in San Francisco.
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West Linn Residence
West Linn Residence
Clement Walsh Landscape Architect, Inc.Clement Walsh Landscape Architect, Inc.
Basalt flagstones connecting raised planter beds to lawn area over a dry stream bed. The Dry stream bed provides drainage to the backyard containing a french drain and decorated with river rock and small boulders. Creeping Thyme was planted between the flagstones.
Alamo Oasis
Alamo Oasis
Michael Tebb DesignMichael Tebb Design
Chipping can be done from the sides of the putting green and from the left over turf turned chipping carpet on the patio. Wooly thyme between the pavers adds texture. All plants are drought tolerant and low maintenance. Alex Johnson Photographer
French Park
French Park
Creative Landscapes Detroit LLCCreative Landscapes Detroit LLC
Ground cover by other
Inspiration for a huge traditional partial sun backyard brick landscaping in Detroit for summer.
Rural Santa Barbara Sandstone Garden Walls and Landscaping with drought tolerant
Rural Santa Barbara Sandstone Garden Walls and Landscaping with drought tolerant
Santa Barbara Home DesignSanta Barbara Home Design
Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.
Nantucket Cottage
Nantucket Cottage
Design Associates IncDesign Associates Inc
Inspiration for a coastal landscaping in Boston.
Gates
Gates
JC Iron Ornamental Work Inc.JC Iron Ornamental Work Inc.
Photo of a large modern front yard driveway in Miami.
Drought-Ready Rain Garden
Drought-Ready Rain Garden
FormLA LandscapingFormLA Landscaping
The IdealMow lawn alternative handles more than rain. It thrives in the high, dry heat of Sierra Madre summers and needs little supplemental water. The bridge traversing this bioswale divides a native edible garden with Catalina Cherry hedge from a wildlife garden with San Miguel Island Buckwheat.
Custom Wood Gate in Refined Relaxation
Custom Wood Gate in Refined Relaxation
Susan Friedman Landscape ArchitectureSusan Friedman Landscape Architecture
Custom wood gate entry into backyard. Photos by Tom Minczeski/photoman.com
Inspiration for a large contemporary full sun side yard garden path in San Francisco.
Homemade Greenhouse
Homemade Greenhouse
Great GardenerGreat Gardener
http://www.usa-gardening.com
This is an example of a farmhouse full sun landscaping in Chicago.
Back yard pond
Back yard pond
Creative Garden ServicesCreative Garden Services
Photo of a large traditional full sun backyard stone pond in Chicago.
Front Yard Landscape
Front Yard Landscape
JPM LandscapeJPM Landscape
Landscape design by Jpm landscape
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional partial sun front yard stone landscaping in San Francisco for spring.
Raised Garden Beds
Raised Garden Beds
Littlefield LandscapesLittlefield Landscapes
Raised Garden Beds by Littlefield Landscaping
Inspiration for a landscaping in Boston.
Wallace Neff Traditional
Wallace Neff Traditional
Gabriela Yariv Landscape DesignGabriela Yariv Landscape Design
Jennifer Cheung
This is an example of a large traditional backyard formal garden in Los Angeles with a fire pit.
Industrial Style in Arcadia | Gabion Wall
Industrial Style in Arcadia | Gabion Wall
Greey PickettGreey Pickett
Photo of a mid-sized industrial backyard landscaping in Phoenix.

Landscaping Ideas

Less Is More.....Unless It's A Bore
Less Is More.....Unless It's A Bore
Hursthouse Landscape Architects and ContractorsHursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors
A bluestone stepper path connects the front and rear spaces. Two large spheres are nested into the landscape bed as an homage to mid-century design. Intimate seating and a gas fire pit are visible in the background.
Wood Fences
Wood Fences
Dakota UnlimitedDakota Unlimited
Custom cedar fence with lattice and gate designed and installed by Dakota Unlimited.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun backyard stone and wood fence landscaping in Minneapolis.
Kingsville Project
Kingsville Project
European Landscapes & DesignEuropean Landscapes & Design
This is one our longest running projects, developed in phases over ten years. Cobblestone driveway, old world craftsmanship, one of a kind elements.
Inspiration for a large rustic partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Baltimore.
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