Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. Photos by John Allegretti

Classic elegance with a fresh face characterizes this stunner, adorned in Benjamin Moore’s pale green “Vale Mist”. For a serene, cohesive look, the beadboard and casings are painted to match. Counters and backsplashes are subtly-veined Himalayan Marble. Flat panel inset cabinetry was enhanced with a delicate ogee profile and graceful bracket feet. Oak floors were artfully stenciled to form a diamond pattern with intersecting dots. Brushed brass fixtures and hardware lend old-world appeal with a stylish flourish. Balancing the formality are casual rattan bistro stools and dining chairs. A metal-rimmed glass tabletop allows full view of the curvaceous walnut pedestal. Tucked into the narrow end of the kitchen is a cozy desk. Its walnut top warms the space, while mullion glass doors contribute openness. Preventing claustrophobia is a frosted wheel-style oculus window to boost light and depth. A bold statement is made for the small hutch, where a neutral animal print wallpaper is paired with Benjamin Moore’s ruby-red semi-gloss “My Valentine” paint on cabinetry and trim. Glass doors display serving pieces. Juxtaposed against the saturated hue is the pop of a white marble counter and contemporary acrylic handles. What could have been a drab niche is now a jewel box! This project was designed in collaboration with Ashley Sharpe of Sharpe Development and Design. Photography by Lesley Unruh. Bilotta Designer: David Arnoff Post Written by Paulette Gambacorta adapted for Houzz

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment. With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion. The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site. James Yochum

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

Conceived of as a C-shaped house with a small private courtyard and a large private rear yard, this new house maximizes the floor area available to build on this smaller Palo Alto lot. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) integrated into the main structure gave a floor area bonus. For now, it will be used for visiting relatives. One challenge of this design was keeping a low profile and proportional design while still meeting the FEMA flood plain requirement that the finished floor start about 3′ above grade. The new house has four bedrooms (including the attached ADU), a separate family room with a window seat, a music room, a prayer room, and a large living space that opens to the private small courtyard as well as a large covered patio at the rear. Mature trees around the perimeter of the lot were preserved, and new ones planted, for private indoor-outdoor living. C-shaped house, New home, ADU, Palo Alto, CA, courtyard, KA Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova, Lucie Danigo
Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
Landscape Architect: Outer Space Landscape Architects
Contractor: Coast to Coast Development
Photography: ©2023 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022 Location: Palo Alto, CA

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO

A resident with Scandinavian roots sought to brighten his ground-floor flat, realized with aesthetic homage to his homeland. Aeriform walls and desaturated flooring draw tree-filtered sunlight deeper into the home, anchored by anthracite doors and off-black flecked stone. Full-height translucent curtains amplify the living spaces while obscuring them from the street. Each one features custom furniture developed with artisans: a bed and nightstands, a dining table of perpendicular planes, a breakfast counter — all finished in a muted earth wash in equipoise to the flooring. The sleeping amenities are symmetrical in detail down to double individual duvets; bed linens and drapes blend in brumal indulgence. The dining area is completed by a Portuguese pendant lamp, efficient seating on an upholstered storage bench, and recycled-composite chairs in ovate forms to counter the rectilinearity. Their profiles evoke the bulbous breakfast barstools, set among the contrast of stone countertop and satin stainless steel suspended in subtle kitchen cabinetry. An opposing volume, intersecting the interior wall, invites one to come in and cook; half is the entryway closet, half holds food storage. PHOTOGRAPHY: © LOLA CWIKOWSKI STUDIO