Photography by Bernard Russo
Mid-sized loft-style medium tone wood floor family room photo in Charlotte with beige walls, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace and a tv stand

Bernard Russo
Large elegant green one-story exterior home photo in Charlotte with a shingle roof

Photography by Bernard Russo
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

The owners hail from Europe and were looking for a home built of materials that would last. The steel frame, cementitious siding, concrete and glass making up the structure will endure for many years, making the house more sustainable. Built over a basement, the two story home uses two large glass lanterns, or light tunnels, to bring in daylight to all levels. One functions as the stairwell and both exhaust heat through operable skylights at the top. The basement is also daylit by a large exterior light well that creates a small walk-out patio. The bedrooms open onto a roof deck. Downstairs the secondary bedroom suite is used as a full-time office. The open plan living space and kitchen open to the rear yard to bring in light and view. The front of the house is shaded by an ancient oak tree that was carefully preserved throughout construction. Klopf Architecture Project Team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Ethan Taylor, Fernanda Bernardes, Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: Holmes Structures
Heating and Plumbing Engineer: Monterey Energy Group
Ventilation Engineer: Pxt Consulting
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. This was the case for FGA’s Atherton clients, empty-nesters, who were eager to reimagine their home of many years as they embarked on their next chapter: hosting grandchildren. To start, FGA kept a few outer walls to preserve the home's more expansive footprint, while opening up and reimagining the layout. The new home with a grand entry hall is oriented to highlight the long garden view. Stylistically, the goal was to lend the new home an older aesthetic that suited the surrounding neighborhood - a home that “felt like the oldest house on the block,” in the words of the client. The structure also recalls the iconic style of Bernard Maybeck who designed the husband’s childhood home. FGA studied Maybeck’s methods for intricately layering rafters, outriggers, and brackets to create a sense of familiarity and ruggedness, but modified elements to feel modern and refined. The heavy timber was specially sourced, carefully measured, cut and numbered offsite, and then meticulously reassembled on the premises. The earthy exteriors with bright cedar shingles, deep dark green trim, and textured red brick are balanced with a crisp interior palette. White cerused oak, mustard yellow library-dining millwork, a black marble bar, and copper hardware details are playfully contemporary. Recalling the exterior masonry, a handsome brick fireplace anchors the generous living room and neighboring office. From the living, dining, and kitchen, tall steel and glass French doors open onto a deep porch for easy entertaining and breezy backyard views.

Photo Credit: Juan Molina, Shoot2Sell Photography
Entryway - large contemporary entryway idea in Dallas

Bernard Andre Photography
Traditional exterior home idea in San Francisco

Photography by Bernard Russo
Example of a mountain style backyard patio kitchen design in Charlotte

Bernard Andre
Family room - large transitional open concept light wood floor and brown floor family room idea in San Francisco with a standard fireplace, beige walls, a stone fireplace and no tv

Photography by Bernard Russo
Huge mountain style home design photo in Charlotte

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

Photography by Bernard Russo
Inspiration for a mid-sized rustic backyard deck remodel in Charlotte with a roof extension

Bernard Russo
Inspiration for a large rustic gray three-story mixed siding exterior home remodel in Charlotte

This home is set on a relatively flat 1 acre lot with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains. From classic Granite countertops to refinished barn wood Oak floors this home is the perfect balance of sophistication and rustic mountain appeal. Photography by Bernard Russo

Bernard Andre Photography
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Céramique et comptoir (Ciot Montréal) Cabinets de cuisine (Atelier BGE) Designer Daniel Bernard
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Example of a beach style home design design in Milwaukee

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Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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Family room photo in San Francisco