Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Imagine a barn that's also a home, overlooking Boulder's iconic Flatirons. The Boulder Barndominium mixes farm practicality with modern coziness, designed for efficiency and those stunning views that make every day feel special. Client and Brief The owners sought a simple, smart building that saves materials and energy. They wanted light-filled spaces, a west-facing unit for mountain sights, and a patio to relax outside. Problems Solved Energy costs and weather can add up, but solar roofs and clever orientation make it net-zero – using the sun for power and keeping things comfortable without extra bills. Design Concept and Form The concept is straightforward – a long rectangle with sloping roofs for panels, and high windows to bring in daylight. It feels balanced and connected to the land. Construction and Materials Wood framing provides strength and tradition, built to endure while staying budget-friendly. Energy Efficiency Solar arrays power everything, with radiant heating and east/west setup for natural warmth and light – sustainable living that's easy and effective. Interior Design Barn space for work and storage, dwelling with bedroom, bath, and open areas leading to the patio for seamless inside-out flow. Outcome Since 2020, this barndominium has been a functional, green haven. It blends utility with beauty, offering savings, views, and a sense of peace in Boulder's landscape.

Orono Prairie Lodge by JMAD, James McNeal Architecture & Design. Creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high end luxury residential design. Dream home interior for luxury lifestyle. Wood & stone home, biophilic & organic. Prairie style with deer lodge style. Dream home lower level, finished basement, kids room, play room with hidden secret hiding place designed into the home. Custom fun children storage solution.

A classic fireplace surround adds timeless elegance and architectural charm to any interior. Defined by refined proportions and traditional detailing, it creates a sophisticated focal point that enhances both formal living spaces and everyday environments. Its versatile design blends seamlessly with traditional, transitional, and modern classic interiors. Expertly crafted from high-quality precast or cast stone, this fireplace surround offers exceptional durability, clean lines, and lasting beauty. The solid construction ensures long-term performance, while its elegant profile brings warmth, character, and visual balance to your space. Ideal for living rooms, family rooms, and luxury home designs, a classic fireplace surround elevates your interior with enduring style and craftsmanship. Custom sizes and finish options may be available to achieve a perfect fit for your design vision.

A classic fireplace surround is a timeless design element that enhances your home with elegance, structure, and lasting appeal. Inspired by traditional architectural styles, it features balanced proportions and refined detailing that create a warm, inviting focal point in any room. Crafted from durable precast or cast stone, this surround offers strength, beauty, and low maintenance while delivering the authentic look of natural stone. Its clean lines and sophisticated form complement a wide range of interiors — from traditional and European-inspired spaces to transitional and modern homes seeking a touch of classic character. Ideal for living rooms, family rooms, and statement interiors, a classic fireplace surround brings warmth, depth, and architectural distinction, elevating the overall design of your space with enduring style.

This new build was designed with a modern organic approach, blending clean architectural lines with warm, natural materials to create a space that feels timeless, calm, and highly livable. The goal was to design a cohesive main floor that feels elevated yet approachable, with thoughtful attention to scale, proportion, and material layering. Soft neutral tones provide a quiet foundation, while warm wood finishes, subtle texture, and brass accents add depth and visual interest. Furniture selections were carefully curated to balance comfort and sophistication, ensuring the home feels welcoming without sacrificing design integrity. Lighting was intentionally layered to enhance both functionality and atmosphere throughout the space. The result is a refined, modern organic interior that feels collected, enduring, and tailored to everyday living — a home designed to age beautifully over time.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

This project breathed new life into1940s residence, centering on the transformation of its kitchen into a traditional Craftsman farmhouse masterpiece. The design prioritizes warmth, sophistication, and an inviting atmosphere, with a prominent use of natural wood materials to ensure a timeless and enduring aesthetic. We meticulously reconfigured the kitchen's layout, seamlessly integrating a peninsula and dry bar, and opening the space to the dining room to enhance flow and connectivity. In striking contrast to the kitchen's traditional elegance, we expanded the pantry into a spacious walk-in area, featuring bold wallpaper and custom designs for maximized storage. The adjoining living room offers a relaxed and moody atmosphere, featuring dark furniture, vintage finds, and unique accents—all infused with the family's favorite green hues to foster creativity and comfort.

This kitchen remodeling project in McLean, is part of a whole house remodel Kitchen and Bath Shop did recently. In this kitchen, we used quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, open shelves, and white, long-endurance cabinets made in the U.S.A. by WellKraft Cabinetry.

This Leawood, Kansas primary bathroom remodel was designed to support a growing family's changing needs while creating a more functional and timeless retreat. The existing layout was reimagined to improve daily routines, replacing an underutilized bathtub with a spacious walk-in shower featuring dual showerheads and a transom window that fills the space with natural light while maintaining privacy. The renovation extended beyond the bathroom to enhance the adjoining closet. By reclaiming square footage from the former shower location, the design created additional storage and incorporated a dedicated washer and dryer for greater everyday convenience. Thoughtful planning and purposeful design decisions helped maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Completed just before the homeowners welcomed their new baby, this remodel was designed to simplify daily life while providing a beautiful and enduring space that will serve the family for years to come.

Example of a patio design in Houston

Located in İzmir, this villa brings together the refined lines of architecture with Serapool’s natural tones. The Antique Grey series reflects the natural stone texture of contemporary grey, adding a sophisticated atmosphere around the pool. With a water absorption rate below 0.5%, the tiles ensure long-term durability and demonstrate high resistance to UV rays, chemicals, and thermal shock. A slip resistance value of PTV ≥ 45 enhances surface safety in wet areas. This application not only offers a premium swimming experience but also redefines luxury living through architectural harmony, secure transitions, and enduring elegance.

Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Philadelphia

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

Historic farmhouse kitchen renovation in Cape Charles, Virginia. Designed to honor the home’s character while supporting modern living, this timeless kitchen features inset cabinetry, honed white marble countertops, natural brass hardware, a textured white tile backsplash, and paneled appliances for a seamless integrated look. A soft green island with custom millwork detailing serves as the focal point, while preserved original hardwood floors and custom window treatments complete the space. Natural materials and classic design elements create a warm, functional kitchen that feels both historic and enduring.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Retractable Screens, also known as Roll-up Screens and Vertical Rolling Screens are completely customized to meet the needs of the space. Easy to see through and completely retractable, exterior Retractable Screens create a cool, comfortable, insect-free environment without sacrificing your view. Designed to provide superior solar protection, they mitigate UV damage, optimize comfort and provide daytime privacy even in windy settings. Extra sun control can be achieved by increasing thread counts and weave density. Retractable Solar Shades provide energy-efficient sun shading, shelter against bugs and mosquitoes, climate control and rain/wind reduction while allowing outward visibility. Depending on screen fabric selection, our solar shade fabric selections are capable of blocking up to 95% of ultra-violet (UV) rays–saving up to 50% of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Motorize Retractable Screens provide control at the touch of a button. Somfy Motors allow activation by wall mounted toggle switch or several different types of remote control options. These Retractable Screens will stop at upper and lower limits and are able to stop any where along the travel path on command. Optional Manual Override features allow for operation in case of power outage for motorized units. Manual Operations are available on most models. Motorized Retractable Screens equipped with Somfy RTS motors may be upgraded for use in Smart Homes and operated via Smartphone or other Mobile Devices. Retractable Screens should be retracted when not in use. The screens are raised and housed inside the aluminum housing. All major components of the system are powder coated aluminum for durability, ease of operations, and longevity. All Retractable Screens from Shade & Shutter Systems come with a 5 year Warranty, to include the Somfy Motor. Retractable Screens offer wind and rain abatement for breezy days. Many of our clients enjoy outdoor patio settings along coastal areas and beach front properties. Those areas also endure regular breezes that can be knocked down with retractable Screens for a more enjoyable experience. Although these screens are not designed for storm protection, winds to 40 mph are easily abated. If you would like more information about Retractable Screens, our Product Specialists can be reached at 800-522-1599.

These delightful clients of Sosna, a family of middle-aged professionals, contacted us to renovate their Kitchen and Office Space in their home. The Kitchen was dated, and lacked sufficient storage, while the Office lacked adequate work space and storage. Throughout the renovation process, ensuring top-quality workmanship and adhering to a strict deadline were paramount. The Kitchen was transformed into a stunning, highly functional space ideal for hosting gatherings. The eyes are drawn to the unique lighting feature over the large island, and the gorgeous sliding door with black trim, providing natural light, and a perfect view into the backyard. The Living Room was updated with functional shelving that kept everything in its place, and wires and cords tucked away. In the office, we've maximized storage and functionality. Our design approach focused on timelessness, incorporating white and black cabinetry with touches of gold, creating an elegant and enduring style. In the end, we completed the project on time and provided our clients with a functional space, that matched their personal style and met their needs. If you’re ready to make your home feel like it’s been made just for you, contact us to get started! We’re the Renovator You Can Count On! Sosna Inc 7250 Keele Street, Unit 372 Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z8 416-888-7366 (RENO) Website: sosna.ca Email: contact@sosna.ca

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Details, bridge over waterfall, water feature.