Block Third Party - Photos & Ideas

Located on a small garden block in South Philadelphia, this classic row home lacked any redeeming architectural qualities after years of piecemeal renovations. The client requested a minimally detailed space that could house and complement a collection of furniture, be suitable for entertaining friends and family, and could make use of its views to the communal garden. As a study of textures and surfaces, the finishes were stripped away to expose the masonry party walls and wood joists. Selective swatches of plaster and wallpaper were left intact to provide additional texture, and any exposed elements, including the front façade were whitewashed. Clad in metal and wood siding, a third-story addition completes the existing row home. The addition is set back to provide a roof terrace, connecting it visually to the garden block. Photography: Halkin Mason Photography

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present

Klopf Architecture

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Michigan Maple Butcher Block Serving Platter with Handles

McClure Tables

Made by hand in our Grand Rapids, MI factory using locally harvest Michigan hard maple, these serving platters are naturally suited for everyday use or entertaining. Constructed using continuous rail edge grain wood, our maple wood serving platter provides you with a unique yet upscale way to serve appetizers, hours d'oeuvres, side dishes, or entrees. Create an eye-catching display by serving fruits and cheeses, veggies and dip, tortilla chips and salsa, or crackers and your favorite deli meats on top of this gorgeous maple serving platter. Our serving platters are a great option for restaurants, catered events, cocktail parties, holiday celebrations, and family get-togethers. Specifications/Features: Measures 18" x 24" 1" Thick Two easy-to-grip handles Great alternative to plastic bread boards Easier on your knives Won't harbor bacteria Hand wash only Oil regularly for best results

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Hickory Reversible Butcher Block Bread Board

McClure Tables

This beautiful hickory bread cutting board is crafted by hand with pride in our Grand Rapids, MI factory. Made using traditional butcher-block techniques our bread board is constructed using continuous rail edge grain wood, which prevents unattractive butt ends or finger joints and helps ensure a consistent color throughout the board. Perfect for serving a loaf of freshly baked bread, cheese, or appetizers, our hickory bread cutting board is ideal for preparing and presenting your favorite party cuisine. Specifications/Features: Measures 7.5" x 18" 1" Thick Great alternative to plastic bread boards Easier on your knives Won't harbor bacteria Hand wash only Oil regularly for best results

Michigan Maple butcher block bread board

McClure Tables

From holiday parties to family get-togethers, you're sure to get your guests attention with this eye-catching maple bread board from McClure Tables. Handcrafted in our Grand Rapids, MI factory with locally harvested Michigan hard maple, this bread board is the perfect surface for slicing your favorite bread, or put it to working serving your favorite party foods and hors d'oeuvres. Constructed using edge grain wood, our durable maple bread board is tough enough to withstand frequent use yet beautiful enough to be kept out on the counter. Specifications/Features: Measures 7.5" x 18" 1" Thick Great alternative to plastic bread boards Easier on your knives Won't harbor bacteria Hand wash only Oil regularly for best results

Cherry Reversible Butcher Block Serving Platter with Handle

McClure Tables

Made using edge grain construction, our cherry serving platter is perfect for preparing and serving your favorite snacks and appetizers. The edge grain construction prevents the platter from warping yet keeps the piece light enough to move around the kitchen with ease. Naturally suited for entertaining or everyday use, our serving platter is designed to last you a long, long time. Each one of our cherry serving platters is made by hand with pride in our Grand Rapids, MI factory using wood harvested in the USA. This gorgeous wood serving platter is perfect for home use during parties and get-togethers, and for professional use in restaurants and during catered events. Specifications/Features: Measures 18" x 24" 1" Thick Two easy-to-grip handles Great alternative to plastic bread boards Easier on your knives Won't harbor bacteria Hand wash only Oil regularly for best results

Michigan Maple butcher block bread board

McClure Tables