This amazing remodel by J.S. Brown & Co. in the River Forest neighborhood in Dublin, Ohio was designed with sunshine in mind! By removing an interior wall, the kitchen was completely opened to the adjacent sunroom for maximum views of the spectacular back yard. Also on the mission brief from the homeowners was shady place to enjoy their yard outdoors. A large roof over a paver patio was just the ticket for watching the grandkids run around in cool comfort.

The extension and remodelling of this Grade II Listed manor house inspired some key architectural innovations including a bespoke, curved glass atrium which has discreetly enclosed the central courtyard and a glass staircase and landing to give additional access and improved circulation. The wholly glass staircase was the first to be installed in the UK. Spanning the courtyard, the double-glazed, high tech glass roof creates a dramatic, contemporary feature within the building's historic core. The new space has created a large kitchen and dining room at the centre of the home that links up with the rest of the house. Natural light has been optimised and with the original walls in full view, there is an inside outside quality to the new internal space. Spratley & Partners managed the build on site and the interior design. The brief also addressed the property's environmental credentials and included the addition of a ground source pump for heating and solar panels.

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Client: Private Residence In West London Brief: To supply & install herringbone wood to premises
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Built on a dune overlooking Lake Michigan, this residence appears to emerge from the landscape. The project brief called for an artful house that promotes wellness and outdoor living. Rugged beauty and four-season adventure drew the owners to the area but presented challenges, including wildfire risk. The site needed a durable shelter that responsibly integrates with the environment. Clad in sand-colored stucco, the house will intentionally be obscured by grasses and junipers over time. Outdoor spaces are layered to match the undulating topography. A steel superstructure enables an ultra-thin roof with overhangs for passive solar design that withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads. A crushed-granite courtyard offers refuge on windy days. This space is enclosed by operable Cor-Ten panels that rotate open to reveal dune views or close for a cloistered experience. The courtyard is further defined by a deconstructed roof with an aperture that frames sky views. Expansive glazing and porcelain flooring unites interior and exterior, evoking a sense of inhabiting an infinity house. A screen porch, concealed by louvers, is a contemporary interpretation of a time-honored lake house vernacular. ​Layers of light and an edited palette of materials unify the interior and evoke a laid-back feeling of beach towns. On both levels, bronze glass walls artfully define rooms while preserving views.

This home evokes a sensuous St. Barth lifestyle on Lake Michigan, designed for globetrotting clients who wanted a weekend sanctuary near their primary residence in Chicago. The project brief included open plan living for entertaining, a family lounge, and bedroom suites for houseguests. The first level is a glass rectangular volume that makes the second level appear to float over the dune and offers water views through the structure. Clad in Accoya, the upper level will gray with age and blend into the landscape. These two horizontal volumes are connected by a double-height glass entry space that reveals a floating staircase. A contemporary beach aesthetic unifies the interior through an edited palette of materials, including white oak millwork, large-format porcelain tile, and a range of warm whites. Interior tile extends out to the pool terrace, uniting the spaces and amplifying the connection to the outdoors. The landscape design enhances the experience. A courtyard with sculptural Ginkgo trees offers refuge from lake breezes. On the pool terrace, custom Cor-Ten planters overflow with Russian Sage, selected for graceful foliage that sways in the breeze and offers a relaxing herbal aroma.

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Louisa, San Clemente Coastal Modern Architecture The brief for this modern coastal home was to create a place where the clients and their children and their families could gather to enjoy all the beauty of living in Southern California. Maximizing the lot was key to unlocking the potential of this property so the decision was made to excavate the entire property to allow natural light and ventilation to circulate through the lower level of the home. A courtyard with a green wall and olive tree act as the lung for the building as the coastal breeze brings fresh air in and circulates out the old through the courtyard. The concept for the home was to be living on a deck, so the large expanse of glass doors fold away to allow a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoors and feeling of being out on the deck is felt on the interior. A huge cantilevered beam in the roof allows for corner to completely disappear as the home looks to a beautiful ocean view and Dana Point harbor in the distance. All of the spaces throughout the home have a connection to the outdoors and this creates a light, bright and healthy environment. Passive design principles were employed to ensure the building is as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels keep the building off the grid and and deep overhangs help in reducing the solar heat gains of the building. Ultimately this home has become a place that the families can all enjoy together as the grand kids create those memories of spending time at the beach. Images and Video by Aandid Media.

Like many projects, this one started with a simple wish from a client: turn an unused butler’s pantry between the dining room and kitchen into a fully functioning, climate-controlled wine room for his extensive collection of valuable vintages. But like many projects, the wine room is connected to the dining room which is connected to the sitting room which is connected to the entry. When you touch one room, it only makes sense to reinvigorate them all. We overhauled the entire ground floor of this lovely home. For the wine room, I worked with Vintage Cellars in Southern California to create custom wine storage embedded with LED lighting to spotlight very special bottles. The walls are in a burgundy tone and the floors are porcelain tiles that look as if they came from an old wine cave in Tuscany. A bubble light chandelier alludes to sparkling varietals. But as mentioned, the rest of the house came along for the ride. Since we were adding a climate-controlled wine room, the brief was to turn the rest of the house into a space that would rival any hot-spot winery in Napa. After choosing new flooring and a new hue for the walls, the entry became a destination in itself with a huge concave metal mirror and custom bench. We knocked out a half wall that awkwardly separated the sitting room from the dining room so that after-dinner drinks could flow to the fireplace surrounded by stainless steel pebbles; and we outfitted the dining room with a new chandelier. We chose all new furniture for all spaces. The kitchen received the least amount of work but ended up being completely transformed anyhow. At first our plan was to tear everything out, but we soon realized that the cabinetry was in good shape and only needed the dated honey pine color painted over with a cream white. We also played with the idea of changing the counter tops, but once the cabinetry changed color, the granite stood out beautifully. The final change was the removal of a pot rack over the island in favor of design-forward iron pendants. Photo by: Genia Barnes

A couple took ownership of their new residence on a top floor of a quiet street in central Lisbon. Our studio’s brief was to transform the duplex into a hideaway to detach from daily life and spend quality time with visiting relatives. The design manifests family-focused features: upon entry, there is plentiful storage for shoes and coats; in the main living room, a custom island crafted in solid surface extends the compact kitchen into the social area, seamlessly bridging cooking and convivial gatherings. A buffet supports more elaborate meals. Sculptural pendants and niches that accentuate horizontal continuity favor interaction between the dining and flexible lounge areas. Reimagined with durable materials, the bathrooms embrace efficiency and elegance. Cabinetry is integrated around the planes of countertops and insets carried across the room. Dark wood and textured accents punctuate the white surfaces, grounding the spaces in tactile warmth. The bedrooms, designed for adaptability, offer separable sleeping arrangements, peaceful workspaces, and versatile wardrobe solutions. The light-toned furniture and organic elements are tailored to the interior, softening the contrasting architectural palette and rectilinear forms. Soothing accent lighting is interwoven throughout, offering an adaptable, serene atmosphere.

The brief for the living room included creating a space that is comfortable, modern and where the couple’s young children can play and make a mess. We selected a bright, vintage rug to anchor the space on top of which we added a myriad of seating opportunities that can move and morph into whatever is required for playing and entertaining.

THE BRIEF Lengthy consultations with the client and her family over an 18 month period (during which a well was discovered underneath the foundations) revealed their relaxed approach to living and desire for a modern-classic look. The shape of the room and the request for 5 domino hobs determined the need for a large and sociable island. It was also important to provide the perfect place for the family to gather whilst mum cooks. A large kitchen sink was particularly desired by the owners who wanted to be able to use this area as a wet zone work station. THE CHALLENGE With such a large number of cabinets within this kitchen we created diversity and interest by introducing three harmonising finishes; sterling grey, walnut and truffle grey; each defining their own zones. Onto these we added 4 different handle types to accent the different areas and create interest and individuality. Integrating a Kohler Stages sink into a Stainless steel work top provided the perfect wet zone area, whereas on the island the Blanco Rivers Silestone offers a more classic and homely appeal without compromising practicality. THE OUTCOME This new kitchen is a world apart from the clients original wooden in-frame kitchen. Its understated style is innately calming whilst the careful space planning means that it is fantastically practical and a joy to use. In the main kitchen galley area the user has easy access to sink, cooking and refrigeration within a few steps. The perimeter areas of the kitchen house the ovens and the display storage and allow for easy passage way to the living/dining area without interrupting the working area.

he brief for this Paddington terrace garden was to update an existing rundown courtyard in line with the modern interiors of the house. The design aimed to maintain neat clean lines, use a formal but interesting palette of material, maximise space for entertaining, retain access to the rear lane and deal with a sloping site. Built in seating with a backrest allows for the change in levels – incorporating retaining and pushed up against the side boundary maximises space for entertaining. A delicate yet contrasting plant palette and water feature selection was chosen to match the house interiors and simple light grey large format tiles let these elements shine. The wrap around bench seat is semi floating to allow for a shadow line and the illusion of more space. It allows for casual seating – a pop of yellow in the Acapulco chairs is a welcome addition against the soft grey facade of the house. A cluster of white pots on the timber porch adds to the composition and Bamboo and Magnolia Little Gems provide a green backdrop and screen of the neighbouring properties. A fixed outdoor umbrella offers shade over the seating areas. The design and look of the garden compliments the architecture and interiors of the residence. It is a design that is sophisticated in its simplicity, with interesting materials and plants but also with functional space that perfectly suits the needs and entertaining requirements of its owners.

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

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Client: Private Residence In East London Brief: To supply & install grey carpet to stairs
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The extension and remodelling of this Grade II Listed manor house inspired some key architectural innovations including a bespoke, curved glass atrium which has discreetly enclosed the central courtyard and a glass staircase and landing to give additional access and improved circulation. The wholly glass staircase was the first to be installed in the UK. Spanning the courtyard, the double-glazed, high tech glass roof creates a dramatic, contemporary feature within the building's historic core. The new space has created a large kitchen and dining room at the centre of the home that links up with the rest of the house. Natural light has been optimised and with the original walls in full view, there is an inside outside quality to the new internal space. Spratley & Partners managed the build on site and the interior design. The brief also addressed the property's environmental credentials and included the addition of a ground source pump for heating and solar panels.

Client: Private Residence In Central London Brief: To supply & install Amtico to areas
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Client: Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Brief: To supply & install Interface carpet tiles to premises at the DWP
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