The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Named for the original homestead, the Aspen Leaf Ranch blends early ranch history with modern sensibility. The owner, an outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast, and former project manager of notable Seattle buildings (including the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Bullitt Center), tasked Best Practice Architecture with designing a modest yet comfortable home reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. He desired a small home that was ‘light on the land’, yet flexible enough to accommodate visiting friends and family. Located in a quiet river valley 10 miles from the nearest town, the result is a humble compound firmly rooted in the rural vernacular. The Methow Valley was familiar to the owner from childhood ski and camping trips and he now has family who live in the area. The Valley is hot and dry in the summer and on average receives over 70 inches of snow each winter. Set in a narrow river valley below high mountain peaks, the owner wanted the new home to have a strong visual and physical connection to the surrounding landscape. For many years, the homestead was operated as a horse packing guide service, and an old agricultural barn remains that will eventually be repurposed into a ski waxing room, shop, and sauna. Two new structures make up the residential retreat: a one-bedroom main house and a carport with an adjoining guest suite, small office, and storage for outdoor equipment. Best Practice’s design prioritizes natural light and optimizes dramatic views of the surrounding meadow, forest, hills, and mountains “I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.” Best Practice carefully positioned the new structures to frame important vistas while minimizing disturbance to the native forest and meadow. The exterior finishes and details are consistent with historic cabins and barns in the area but stylized to acknowledge the new structure’s place in time. Metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt were chosen to reduce wildfire risk, and native plantings attract and support local birds and wildlife. Best Practice simplified the interior detailing with a nod towards a rural cabin aesthetic, incorporating painted beadboard, extensive built-in cabinetry, warm woods, a sizeable kitchen, and an open nook for daytime lounging and overnight guests. The design also took into account the owner’s collection of art, family heirlooms, and furniture gathered over many years. Best Practice designed this Methow Valley home to respect the history and beauty of the historic Aspen Leaf Ranch while embracing modern comforts. The design successfully meets a well-considered program for 4-season use and serves as a full-time rural retreat for the owner as well as a gathering place for friends and family.

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

On average, a Proto Home™ can be constructed within four months, thanks to our new building methods that save time and money, while increasing accuracy. Proto Homes™ are built through a hybrid construction system: factory produced + site built elements. By prefabricating the shell and core features of the home off-site, construction can essentially begin before permitting has, thus saving you time and money. Foundation/Slab Detailing: The foundation is detailed to serve two primary purposes. The foundation curb is formed in such a way that it acts as a measuring "rubric" for the house, first in providing a horizontal registration point for finish floors inside the house, and grading and landscape for outside. Secondly, it serves as a vertical indexing margin for all exterior finishes including panel systems and metal cladding. In addition, the delineation provided by the curb provides a clean aesthetic for the foundation itself and waterproofs the home. Roofing construction is made more efficient in a Proto Home™. By doing away with the traditional attic, we've utilized every last square inch – which in this case provides higher ceilings. Every Proto Home™ features a "zero-penetration" roof that is uninterrupted by plumbing vents or ducts thanks to the Proto Core™ design, which moves traditional roof vents to the side wall of the core. The all-steel roof assembly provides structural stability and resists damage from weather and pests, giving it longevity not typical in today's roofs. With Proto Home's™, it's all about the details. From the garage to the bathrooms, the amenities we use everyday have been slightly adjusted to make our lives easier. The Proto Home™ garage is carefully designed to function as efficiently as the rest of the home. The floor is perfectly level, and outfitted with the same concrete as the rest of the first floor, which makes fitting the space with shelves and furniture much easier. Bathtubs are reworked into "Soak In Showers," which are easy to enter and exit, yet deep enough to bathe in. In keeping with sleek lines and uninterrupted design, we have developed "Zero Jam," a patented interior door jam made of solid aluminum. When closed, the door blends with the adjoining wall to create the appearance of one continuous unit. Proto Home's™ also work with the seasons to compensate for changes in weather. The climate control can be adjusted so that during the summer air-conditioned cold air flows in from the top and descends to cool the space below. During the winter, the hot air is forced in from the ground level and ascends heating the entire house. Photo Credit: Lisa Romerein, Proto Homes, LLC

The decision to go small is about her personal values, committing to a lifestyle, and living within her means. The move to design small is a subjective decision that weighs in on a number of factors that can’t possibly be summed up in one statement, but the obvious benefits jump to the front...easier to maintain, less cleaning, less expensive, less debt, less environmental impact, less temptation to accumulate. Her design requirements were simple, small footprint less than 1000 sq. ft., garage below the living area, and take advantage of the amazing view. It’s smaller than the average house, but designed in a way that it won’t feel like a shoebox. My client thought long and hard about downsizing her home and her lifestyle, and she couldn’t be happier

Rasmus Jensen ARKITEKT MAA
Inspiration for a modern exterior home remodel in Aarhus

When planning for a kitchen or bathroom renovation, your countertop color and material are one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. As the average person only experiences a major remodel once or twice in their lifetime, it can be difficult to figure out which stone works best for you. In this four-part blog series, we’ll discuss the differences between natural stone and manmade stone and the most popular categories within each group. Focusing first on natural stones, there are four common reasons this might be the choice for you! Use the QR code or link below to see which stone works best for your next project. Link: https://mayflowerva.com/why-we-decline-business-pt-2/

Photo by: Martin Tessler A bachelor pad Bruce Wayne would approve of, this 1,000 square-foot Yaletown property belonging to a successful inventor-entrepreneur was to be soiree central for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. A concept juxtaposing rawness with sophistication was agreed on, morphing what was an average two bedroom in its previous life to a loft with concrete floors and brick walls revealed and complemented with gloss, walnut, chrome and Corian. All the manly bells and whistle are built-in too, including Control4 smart home automation, custom beer trough and acoustical features to prevent party noise from reaching the neighbours.

This property was in theLadbroke Grove area of West London near Kensington. The client had found an old and probably original black and white checkered pattern Victorian tiled floor under their cork tiled flooring. They also reported that it was badly damaged so I thought it would be best if I paid them a visit first to see how extensive the damage was and whether it was repairable. The floor was in a quite a state, the tiles were covered in glue from the cork and had several areas had been back filled with cement. I reassured them that the damage could be rectified, and that it would be possible to completely restore the floor back to a good standard. I would have to remove the glue, remove the cement that had been used to level the floor and replace with reclaimed tiles to match. They were relieved to find out it could be done and happy with my quote I was instructed to go ahead with the work. We started by taping up the skirting boards to protect the woodwork. With this done attention was turned to the glue which was softened using a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove and Go so it could be carefully scraped off. Multiple techniques and tools were needed to remove the glue including hand-held scrappers and a black pad fitted to a buffing machine. For the stubborn areas steam was applied to help lift the adhesive out the tile. Once all the glue was removed the floor was rinsed and the alkaline cleaner neutralised with Tile Doctor Grout Clean Up which further cleaned the tiles and removed old traces of grout from the floor. Old floors like this generally don’t have a damp proof membrane underneath so the acids in the Grout Clean-up also counter any efflorescent salts trapped in the tile. Once this was completed the slurry was removed with a wet vacuum and left to fully dry out overnight. The following day focus turned to repairing the areas of the floor where the tiles were missing or broken. The main issue being the cemented areas, we see this a lot with Victorian Hallways and generally what happens is a heating engineer digs out the floor to install pipework. Not being tilers, your average plumber then repairs the floor with a self-levelling cement that brings the level up to the surface of the tile so it can be covered with lino, carpet of in this case cork. The sub floor was then rebuilt with rapid setting self-levelling compound but this time to below the level of the tile. Once the new base was dry it was a just a question of re-tiling with the replacement tiles to match the original checkered pattern. The replacement reproduction tiles were sourced from Original Features in Crouch End North London. After grouting we left the floor to dry out over the weekend. When we returned to seal the floor our first step was to check the floor was dry using a moisture meter. This is critical as the sealant will not cure correctly if there is too much moisture in the floor. In this case the extra two days we had allowed had done its job and the test had confirmed it was ready to accept a sealer. The client wanted the floor finish not to be too shiny once sealed so we opted to seal with two coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go Extra. This is good choice for old Victorian floors such as this example as it’s special acrylic-based formula allows for moisture vapour transmission which as mentioned previously is a concern where no damp proof membrane has been installed. I’m please to confirm my clients were delighted with the result, as you can see from the pictures the black and white floor restoration makes for a dramatic entrance well in keeping with the style of the property. For aftercare I recommended the use of Tile Doctor Neutral Tile Cleaner which will keep the tiles in good condition going forward without damaging the new sealer. Jackson Davis Central London Tile Doctor

Why Mattress Thickness Is One of the Most Misunderstood Specs When most people shop for a memory foam mattress, they focus on firmness, materials, and brand. Thickness tends to be an afterthought — or worse, treated as a proxy for quality. The assumption goes: thicker equals better. That assumption is wrong in a meaningful number of cases, and getting it wrong means waking up with exactly the kind of stiffness, pressure pain, or lower back ache you bought a new mattress to avoid. The right thickness for a memory foam mattress is not a single number. It is a combination of your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific health conditions you are managing. A 14-inch mattress that provides ideal support for a 250-pound side sleeper may cause a 115-pound stomach sleeper to experience spinal misalignment all night. A 10-inch mattress that works perfectly for a back sleeper of average build offers inadequate pressure relief for a heavier side sleeper whose hips need to sink further into the comfort layer before the support base engages. This guide maps thickness to the factors that actually determine whether a mattress works for your body. It covers the science of mattress layers, the three primary variables (weight, position, condition), and a complete decision table so you can find your ideal thickness without guesswork. Understanding Mattress Thickness: Layers, Not Just Height A memory foam mattress’s total thickness is the sum of its individual layers, and those layers serve entirely different functions. Two mattresses that are both 12 inches thick may feel radically different because their comfort layer depths and support core thicknesses are distributed differently. The Two Parts That Matter Every memory foam mattress has two functional zones: the comfort layer at the top and the support core at the bottom. The comfort layer — which in quality mattresses consists of gel-infused viscoelastic foam, transition foam, and a cooling cover — is the zone that contours to your body, relieves pressure, and cushions the joints. The support core — high-density foam or pocketed springs in a hybrid — is the zone that keeps the spine aligned and prevents the entire body from sinking into the mattress. The key relationship is this: the comfort layer must be deep enough for your body’s heaviest pressure points to sink in fully before the firmer support core pushes back. If it is too shallow, those pressure points press against a firm surface and cause localised pain. If the support core is too thin, the whole mattress sags under body weight and the spine loses alignment regardless of how comfortable the top feels. Here is how EGOHOME’s Black series layers map to these functions: Layer Material Function EGOHOME Technology Cover (0.5–1") Fabric + cooling tech Temperature regulation, hygiene Anti-heat™ Graphene Cooling Cover Comfort layer (2–6") Gel foam, AeroFusion™ Pressure relief, contouring Copper Gel AeroFusion™ Foam Transition layer (1–2") Mid-density foam Prevents sinkage past comfort zone BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (upper) Support core (6–12") High-density foam or coils Spinal alignment, edge support BraceSleeper™ Support Foam (core) Thickness alone does not tell you how a mattress will perform. A 14-inch mattress with a 2-inch comfort layer and a 12-inch support core will feel firm and supportive. A 14-inch mattress with a 6-inch comfort layer and an 8-inch support core will feel plush and contouring. Always check the comfort layer depth, not just the total inches. Memory Foam Mattress Thickness Ranges: What Each Category Delivers Here is a complete breakdown of what to expect from each thickness range and who each suits best: Thickness Profile Best Use Case Body Weight Best Sleep Position 6–8" Low profile Children, bunk beds, guest rooms, adjustable bases Under 130 lbs Kids, lightweight, occasional use 8–10" Standard-thin Stomach sleepers, lightweight adults, budget setups Under 130 lbs Stomach, lightweight back sleepers 10–12" Standard Most adults, back sleepers, back pain relief 130–230 lbs Back, stomach, combo sleepers 12–14" High-profile Side sleepers, plus-size, pressure relief 130–230 lbs+ Side sleepers, hip/shoulder pain 14"+ Premium Plus-size sleepers, heavy duos, luxury setups 230 lbs+ Plus-size, side sleepers, chronic pain 6–8 Inches: Low-Profile (Specific Use Cases Only) Low-profile mattresses in the 6 to 8 inch range are designed for specific applications rather than general adult use. They work well on bunk beds and trundle beds where height clearance is limited, for children’s beds where a lower sleep surface is safer, on adjustable bases where the mattress needs to flex significantly, and for lightweight individuals under 130 pounds who need minimal depth to reach the support core. For a standard adult of average build, a mattress under 8 inches is unlikely to provide adequate comfort layer depth for sustained pressure relief. 8–10 Inches: Standard-Thin (Stomach Sleepers and Lightweight Adults) The 8 to 10 inch range is the practical starting point for most adult use. At this thickness, there is enough comfort layer to provide basic pressure relief without the excessive depth that allows heavier body sections to sink past the support zone. Stomach sleepers in particular benefit from this range: when sleeping face down, the goal is to keep the hips from sinking lower than the shoulders and chest, which would create a downward bow in the lumbar spine. A thinner mattress with a firmer feel prevents this hyperextension more reliably than a thicker, softer model. EGOHOME offers 8-inch memory foam options suited to this profile. 10–12 Inches: Standard (The Sweet Spot for Most Adults) The 10 to 12 inch range is the most broadly appropriate thickness for adults of standard build. At this depth, a quality memory foam mattress contains enough comfort layer material to contour genuinely around the hips and shoulders without allowing the body to bottom out into the support core. It also contains enough support core depth to maintain spinal alignment under continuous body weight across seven or eight hours. Back sleepers of standard weight (130 to 230 pounds) typically find this range the most supportive, as the lumbar region receives adequate underlying resistance without the excessive softness that taller mattresses can develop under consistent pressure. 12–14 Inches: High-Profile (Side Sleepers and Plus-Size Sleepers) The 12 to 14 inch range addresses two specific needs: side sleepers who require a deep enough comfort layer to allow the shoulder and hip to sink in while the waist remains supported, and heavier individuals whose body weight requires more foam depth before reaching full support core engagement. For a side sleeper of standard or higher body weight, a comfort layer of less than 4 to 6 inches is often not deep enough for the shoulder to sink fully into an aligned position. The result is an upward lateral bow in the thoracic spine that causes shoulder and upper back pain upon waking. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Pro and Hybrid models are built specifically for this thickness range. 14 Inches and Above: Premium and Plus-Size Mattresses at 14 inches or more are appropriate for plus-size sleepers over 230 pounds and for couples where one partner is significantly heavier. At higher body weights, a greater depth of both comfort material and support foam is required because the heavier load compresses the foam more aggressively. A support core that adequately resists a 160-pound sleeper may allow excessive sinkage under a 280-pound sleeper, causing the hips to drop past the point of lumbar support. EGOHOME’s Black 14-inch Firm model includes a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core specifically designed to resist this deep compression under higher body weights. Thickness by Body Weight: The Primary Determining Factor Body weight is the single most important variable in thickness selection because it directly determines how far the body sinks into the foam. The same mattress will feel completely different to a 120-pound sleeper versus a 240-pound sleeper, because the heavier person compresses the foam significantly more deeply. Lightweight Sleepers (Under 130 lbs) Lightweight sleepers do not need and often cannot benefit from thick mattresses. Because they exert less pressure on the foam, they may not compress a 14-inch mattress deeply enough to feel the support core at all, resulting in a floating sensation with insufficient underlying resistance. For lightweight sleepers, 8 to 10 inches provides adequate comfort layer depth for full pressure relief. The EGOHOME Black 10-inch Classic (medium feel) is the appropriate starting point for this weight category. Standard-Weight Sleepers (130–230 lbs) Standard-weight adults represent the broadest population of mattress buyers, and the 10 to 12 inch range was designed specifically for this group. At this weight range, the body compresses the comfort layer meaningfully enough for the foam to contour around pressure points, while the support core remains thick enough to prevent excessive sinkage. The EGOHOME Black 12-inch and the Black 10-inch ranges both address this category, with the 12-inch models being more appropriate for side sleepers who need the extra comfort layer depth. Plus-Size Sleepers (Over 230 lbs) Heavier sleepers require 12 to 14 inches at minimum to prevent bottoming out — the point at which body weight compresses through the comfort layer entirely and the sleeper feels the firm support core directly. Bottoming out eliminates pressure relief completely and can significantly worsen joint pain and lower back stiffness. EGOHOME recommends a suggested maximum of 300 pounds per person across their mattress range, and the 14-inch Hybrid and 14-inch Firm models are engineered with the deeper support cores required to handle higher body weights without performance degradation over time. Thickness by Sleep Position: Matching Depth to Alignment Needs Side Sleepers: 12 Inches or More Side sleeping places the body’s heaviest pressure points — the shoulder and hip — in direct contact with the mattress. These points need to sink into the comfort layer deeply enough that the spine remains horizontal from head to toe. If the comfort layer is too thin or too firm, the shoulder cannot descend fully into the mattress, and the spine develops an upward lateral curve between the shoulder and the head. This causes the neck, shoulder, and upper back tension that many side sleepers report upon waking. Side sleepers of standard weight need at least 12 inches, with a soft to medium-soft comfort layer. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Pro (soft feel, 7.5 out of 10 cooling score) is specifically recommended for side sleepers managing back, shoulder, or joint pain. The Black 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, 8 out of 10 cooling) adds additional comfort layer depth for those who need greater pressure relief. Back Sleepers: 10–12 Inches Back sleeping is the most spinal-alignment-friendly position because the body’s weight is distributed relatively evenly across the mattress. The primary challenge for back sleepers is lumbar support: the natural inward curve of the lower back creates a gap between the lumbar spine and the mattress surface that must be filled by the foam contouring upward into it. A mattress that is too soft allows the pelvis to sink excessively, flattening this curve and creating lower back compression. A mattress that is too firm cannot conform into the lumbar curve at all. For back sleepers, 10 to 12 inches with a medium or medium-firm feel provides the optimal combination. EGOHOME’s Black 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5 out of 10 cooling) is specifically noted as ideal for back sleepers, combining pocketed spring zoned support with gel foam contouring for precise lumbar engagement. Stomach Sleepers: 8–10 Inches Stomach sleepers face the opposite alignment challenge from side sleepers. Rather than needing the mattress to yield deeply at the joints, they need the mattress to maintain a flat, firm surface that prevents the hips from sinking below the chest. If the hips drop lower than the upper body, the lumbar spine hyperextends into an arched position that compresses the posterior vertebral joints and causes significant lower back pain. Stomach sleepers need a thinner mattress with a firmer feel. The EGOHOME Black 14-inch Firm is specifically recommended for stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers who need maximum surface resistance. Its 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core provides the deep, unyielding base that prevents hip sinkage without requiring a thin mattress that compromises comfort. Best Thickness for Back Pain: The Medium-Firm 10–12 Inch Principle For people managing chronic lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, or general spinal stiffness, mattress thickness interacts with back health in a specific way that differs from general sleep comfort recommendations. The key principle for back pain is controlled contouring. You need enough foam depth to relieve pressure at the hips and shoulders, but not so much depth that the foam develops a sag under the heavier sections of the body over time. Excessive thickness combined with a soft comfort layer is one of the most common causes of mattress-induced back pain — the sleeper sinks into a gentle hammock shape that feels comfortable initially but compresses the lumbar discs continuously throughout the night. 10–12 Inches: The Optimal Back Pain Range A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches addresses both needs simultaneously. It provides adequate foam depth for genuine pressure relief at the hips and shoulders without the risk of comfort layer collapse that taller, softer mattresses can develop. The support core at this thickness is deep enough to maintain consistent lumbar support from the first night through years of regular use. For side sleepers with lower back pain, the recommendation extends to 12 inches with a soft feel to ensure the hip can sink into full alignment. For back sleepers with lower back pain, 10 to 12 inches with a medium-firm feel is the target. For stomach sleepers with lower back pain, a firmer feel at any thickness is more important than depth — preventing hip sinkage is the priority. ⚠️ Mattresses over 14 inches with very soft comfort layers are a common hidden cause of lower back pain. The deep softness feels luxurious initially but allows the lumbar region to sag into misalignment through the night. If you sleep on a thick, very soft mattress and wake with lower back stiffness, the mattress — not your position — may be the cause. Complete Thickness Decision Table: Your Position × Your Weight Use this table to find your recommended thickness and the matching EGOHOME model: Sleep Position Body Weight Ideal Thickness EGOHOME Recommendation Side sleeper Under 130 lbs 12" EGOHOME Black 12” Pro (soft, 7.5/10 cool) Side sleeper 130–230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Pro (medium-soft, 8/10 cool) Side sleeper Over 230 lbs 14" EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool) Back sleeper Under 130 lbs 10" EGOHOME Black 10” Classic (medium, 6/10 cool) Back sleeper 130–230 lbs 10–12" EGOHOME Black 12” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool) Back sleeper Over 230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Hybrid (medium-firm, 8.5/10 cool) Stomach sleeper Under 130 lbs 8–10" EGOHOME 8" Memory Foam (firm, standard support) Stomach sleeper 130–230 lbs 10–12" EGOHOME Black 10” Hybrid (medium-firm, 6.5/10 cool) Stomach sleeper Over 230 lbs 12–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Firm (firm, 7/10 cool) Combination Any weight 10–14" EGOHOME Black 14” Pro or 14” Hybrid ? If you are between two categories — for example, a 220-pound back sleeper with occasional side sleeping — choose the model suited to your heavier variable. A 12” hybrid model handles the heavier weight and still adapts to position changes. When in doubt, go medium-firm over soft. EGOHOME Memory Foam Mattresses by Thickness EGOHOME’s range spans 6 to 14 inches across memory foam and hybrid constructions, with every model carrying CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification, a 10-year warranty, a 100-night home trial, and free shipping and returns across the contiguous U.S. For 8–10 Inch Needs The EGOHOME 8-inch memory foam and Black 10-inch Classic and Hybrid models cover the lightweight and stomach sleeper range. The 10-inch Classic offers a medium feel suited to back and side sleepers under 130 pounds. The 10-inch Hybrid adds pocketed spring support for better lumbar engagement and airflow. For 10–12 Inch Needs The EGOHOME Black 12-inch range — Classic, Pro, and Hybrid — is the most widely applicable thickness tier. The 12-inch Classic (soft, cool 6/10) suits side sleepers and those with joint pain. The 12-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 6.5/10) is specifically recommended for back sleepers and standard-weight adults across positions. The 12-inch Pro (soft, cool 7.5/10) is the top choice for side sleepers dealing with shoulder or hip pain. For 12–14 Inch Needs The EGOHOME Black 14-inch series is the flagship range. The 14-inch Pro (medium-soft, cool 8/10) is designed for side sleepers and pressure-relief-first buyers. The 14-inch Hybrid (medium-firm, cool 8.5/10) handles all sleep positions and is the strongest all-rounder in the range. The 14-inch Firm is built for stomach sleepers and heavier individuals, with a 12-inch BraceSleeper™ Support Foam core that resists sinkage under higher body weights. Frequently Asked Questions Is a thicker memory foam mattress always better? No. Thickness should match your body weight and sleep position, not simply be maximised. A 14-inch mattress with a very soft comfort layer can cause back pain in lightweight sleepers or stomach sleepers by allowing excessive sinkage. A well-calibrated 10-inch mattress will consistently outperform an oversized 14-inch model for the wrong body type. What thickness of memory foam is good for back pain? A medium-firm mattress of 10 to 12 inches is the most widely recommended range for lower back pain. It provides enough foam depth for genuine pressure relief without the risk of comfort layer collapse that causes lumbar sagging. Side sleepers with back pain may benefit from 12 inches with a softer feel to ensure hip and shoulder alignment. What is the minimum thickness for a memory foam mattress for adults? For most adults, 8 inches is the practical minimum for sustained comfort. Below 8 inches, there is often insufficient comfort layer depth for pressure relief across a full night of sleep. The exception is stomach sleepers who may intentionally choose 8 inches for a firmer surface that prevents hip sinkage. Does mattress thickness affect how long it lasts? Yes, indirectly. A mattress that is too thin for the body weight it supports will experience faster comfort layer compression and develop sags and pressure indentations earlier than one appropriately sized for that load. Choosing the correct thickness for your weight extends the usable lifespan of the mattress. EGOHOME mattresses are expected to last 6 to 8 years with proper care, with regular rotation every 3 to 6 months recommended. Can I use a thick mattress on an adjustable base? Memory foam mattresses up to 14 inches are generally compatible with adjustable bases, though the mattress should be flexible enough to bend at the head and foot sections without cracking or deforming. EGOHOME mattresses are confirmed compatible with adjustable bases. For very thick or firm mattresses, check the specific flex requirements of your adjustable base before purchasing. Final Thoughts The best thickness for a memory foam mattress is not the thickest you can find or the most expensive number on the specification sheet. It is the thickness that aligns precisely with your body weight, your sleep position, and any specific conditions you are managing — then pairs that depth with a comfort layer and support core calibrated to work