Luke Gibson Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean courtyard gravel landscaping in Los Angeles.

Ryan Gamma
This is an example of a large mid-century modern full sun courtyard concrete paver and wood fence landscaping in Other.

Bruce Damonte
Tuscan entryway photo in San Francisco with a metal front door

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional partial sun courtyard stone garden path in Dallas for summer.

Inspiration for a huge mediterranean partial sun courtyard brick landscaping in Miami for spring.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern partial sun front yard stone landscaping in Chicago.

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

Bernard Andre Photography
Inspiration for a large modern beige two-story house exterior remodel in San Francisco with a metal roof

Design ideas for a large farmhouse full sun courtyard brick landscaping in San Francisco for spring.

Orange County, CA - A courtyard entry gate is like a front door to a home so proper attention to its design and detailing needs to be taken into consideration. This courtyard entry gate in a Mediterranean style was designed as part of a garage door and garden gate project we did in Corona del Mar, CA. The entry gate borrowed some of the architectural elements we used on the garage doors. For instance the bottom diamond panels which are carved by hand out of a solid piece of wood is a direct feature we used form the garage door design. The wood we opted to use was mahogany and it was graciously stained the same color as the garage doors to pull in the front curb appeal of the home together. Though the garage door design was rather simple the focus of this home was the entry way to the courtyard gate so extra details were used such as the hand-forged scrolling girll used on the front which is backed with a functional rain glass door that can be opened for cleaning or speaking to someone without opening the entry gate. The iron work is exquisitely detailed in a turn of the century neoclassic style with gorgeous finials and scrolls that make the entry gate so elegant! We treat entry courtyard gates like front doors because these gates are the focal point of entry to a home, the passage your guests will go through and so you want to impress with your best offering a luxurious welcoming with a world-class designed gate by Dynamic Garage Door. Our specialty is design then formidable craftsmanship and expert installation. Let our team create a courtyard or garden gate that will make jaws drop and a coupe of neighbors turn green with envy! Call Dynamic Garage Door at (855) 343-3667 for pricing on our custom gate projects made to your specifications!

Bernard Andre Photography
Large modern beige two-story house exterior idea in San Francisco with a metal roof

Tropical landscapes Hawaii landscapes Tropical court yard
Inspiration for a large tropical partial sun courtyard stone pond in Hawaii.

arch, copper roof, courtyard, entry, exterior pavers, front door, gray stone pavers, iron fence, shutters, wood front door
Example of a classic two-story exterior home design in New Orleans

This is an example of a contemporary garden path in Orange County.

Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts attached two-car garage design in Atlanta

Large tuscan courtyard tile patio photo in Los Angeles with no cover

Bernard Andre Photography
Entryway - large rustic entryway idea in San Francisco

Duy Tran Photography
Inspiration for a huge traditional partial sun front yard concrete paver formal garden in DC Metro for spring.

Mid-sized southwestern beige two-story adobe exterior home idea in Albuquerque