John Keith Photography
Traditional exterior home idea in DC Metro

Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Homes Location: Boulder, CO, United States This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse is our first “regenerative home,” producing more energy than it consumes. This 3,900 s.f. custom home uses passive solar design, 10.2kW of solar photovoltaics, a ground source heat pump, double wall well-insulated exterior envelope, high performance doors and windows, to achieve a HERS negative 8 rating and Energy Star v.3.0 certification. The interior has low-VOC finishes and custom built-in FSC-certified wood and beetle kill pine cabinets throughout. The site is designed to be very low water use, incorporating permaculture and urban farming, with raised planting beds and a passive solar chicken coop/greenhouse. What makes this project special is its combination of extraordinary sustainability with conventionally attractive, cost-effective design tailored to the owner’s needs.

This extensive renovation designed by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEED AP and built by Arlene Dean, completely transforms the look of the original structure. The main source of inspiration for the new design came from Greene & Greene’s Gamble House, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of the original turn of the century Craftsman Style Homes. Distinctive features from that style include the use of exposed timber framing, low pitched roof forms with large overhangs, gangs of windows, and extensive built-in furniture. The Living Room and Kitchen are open to one another and portions of the timber structure are exposed and integrated into the built-in elements. Photos by Eric Rawlings, AIA, LEEP AP.

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

The Sleek Hermosa Beach Exterior Renovation was designed to give the homeowners a modern and durable update that could withstand the coastal weather. The project included installing new energy-efficient windows that not only improved the home's curb appeal but also helped with insulation and noise reduction. We applied smooth stucco to create a sleek, contemporary look while enhancing the property's overall resilience. To further protect the home, we implemented top-notch waterproofing techniques, crucial for the beachside location of Hermosa Beach, ensuring long-lasting durability against the ocean air and moisture. Throughout the project, the homeowners shared their vision of a stylish yet low-maintenance exterior. With that in mind, we sourced materials from local suppliers and utilized our extensive experience in coastal renovations to bring their dream to life. The end result is a stunning transformation that not only reflects the homeowner's style but also improves the home's structural integrity, making it a true standout in the neighborhood.

Challenges: My clients love white, silver colors and Metal. While silver and white can be great colors, they are not exactly a plus when we are looking for harmony in relationships. White is metal and metal cuts. Metal also nourishes Water. Water is also a great element, but NOT when there are emotional issues. My contribution: Adding Wood (with plants, furniture, etc.) was paramount to "absorb" all the surplus of Water in the house and dry out some of the emotional turmoil. Adding peaceful symbolism and objects in pair (in the love corner), adding the Fire element (through lighting and red and orange objects) as well as simple tricks such as laying books flat (the cutting energy of books when they stand straight can be a source of conflict) contributed to appeasing the energy of the dining room.

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Capture.Create Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized craftsman l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, green backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Ryan Gamma Photography
Example of an island style l-shaped concrete floor kitchen design in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances

Mark Adams
Inspiration for a small transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen remodel in Austin with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Eric Roth Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic girl medium tone wood floor kids' room remodel in Boston with white walls

East Sound, Puget Sound, Washington State Photography: Dale Lang
Bedroom - rustic bedroom idea in Seattle

Winner of the 2018 Tour of Homes Best Remodel, this whole house re-design of a 1963 Bennet & Johnson mid-century raised ranch home is a beautiful example of the magic we can weave through the application of more sustainable modern design principles to existing spaces. We worked closely with our client on extensive updates to create a modernized MCM gem. Extensive alterations include: - a completely redesigned floor plan to promote a more intuitive flow throughout - vaulted the ceilings over the great room to create an amazing entrance and feeling of inspired openness - redesigned entry and driveway to be more inviting and welcoming as well as to experientially set the mid-century modern stage - the removal of a visually disruptive load bearing central wall and chimney system that formerly partitioned the homes’ entry, dining, kitchen and living rooms from each other - added clerestory windows above the new kitchen to accentuate the new vaulted ceiling line and create a greater visual continuation of indoor to outdoor space - drastically increased the access to natural light by increasing window sizes and opening up the floor plan - placed natural wood elements throughout to provide a calming palette and cohesive Pacific Northwest feel - incorporated Universal Design principles to make the home Aging In Place ready with wide hallways and accessible spaces, including single-floor living if needed - moved and completely redesigned the stairway to work for the home’s occupants and be a part of the cohesive design aesthetic - mixed custom tile layouts with more traditional tiling to create fun and playful visual experiences - custom designed and sourced MCM specific elements such as the entry screen, cabinetry and lighting - development of the downstairs for potential future use by an assisted living caretaker - energy efficiency upgrades seamlessly woven in with much improved insulation, ductless mini splits and solar gain

Example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Amy Smucker Photography - West elevation of the house with a wrap around porch and see through fireplace into the living room. During the winter the glass on the see through fireplace allows just enough heat to make it comfortable sitting outside with a cup of hot chocolate watching the snow flakes fall.

A young family with a wooded, triangular lot in Ipswich, Massachusetts wanted to take on a highly creative, organic, and unrushed process in designing their new home. The parents of three boys had contemporary ideas for living, including phasing the construction of different structures over time as the kids grew so they could maximize the options for use on their land. They hoped to build a net zero energy home that would be cozy on the very coldest days of winter, using cost-efficient methods of home building. The house needed to be sited to minimize impact on the land and trees, and it was critical to respect a conservation easement on the south border of the lot. Finally, the design would be contemporary in form and feel, but it would also need to fit into a classic New England context, both in terms of materials used and durability. We were asked to honor the notions of “surprise and delight,” and that inspired everything we designed for the family. The highly unique home consists of a three-story form, composed mostly of bedrooms and baths on the top two floors and a cross axis of shared living spaces on the first level. This axis extends out to an oversized covered porch, open to the south and west. The porch connects to a two-story garage with flex space above, used as a guest house, play room, and yoga studio depending on the day. A floor-to-ceiling ribbon of glass wraps the south and west walls of the lower level, bringing in an abundance of natural light and linking the entire open plan to the yard beyond. The master suite takes up the entire top floor, and includes an outdoor deck with a shower. The middle floor has extra height to accommodate a variety of multi-level play scenarios in the kids’ rooms. Many of the materials used in this house are made from recycled or environmentally friendly content, or they come from local sources. The high performance home has triple glazed windows and all materials, adhesives, and sealants are low toxicity and safe for growing kids. Photographer credit: Irvin Serrano

A new home for two, generating four times more electricity than it uses, including the "fuel" for an electric car. This house makes Net Zero look like child's play. But while the 22kW roof-mounted system is impressive, it's not all about the PV. The design features great energy savings in its careful siting to maximize passive solar considerations such as natural heating and daylighting. Roof overhangs are sized to limit direct sun in the hot summer and to invite the sun during the cold winter months. The construction contributes as well, featuring R40 cellulose-filled double-stud walls, a R50 roof system and triple glazed windows. Heating and cooling are supplied by air source heat pumps. Photos By Ethan Drinker

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards. Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home. The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year. Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling. A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function. Photo by John Sutton Photography.