The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Simple, rustic charm with views, views, views.
Large cottage stone screened-in back porch idea in Minneapolis with a roof extension

These homeowners loved their outdoor space, complete with a pool and deck, but wanted to better utilize the space for entertaining with the full kitchen experience and amenities. This update was designed keeping the Tuscan architecture of their home in mind. We built a cabana with an Italian design, complete with a kegerator, icemaker, fridge, grill with custom hood and tile backsplash and full overlay custom cabinetry. A sink for meal prep and clean up enhanced the full kitchen function. A cathedral ceiling with stained bead board and ceiling fans make this space comfortable. Additionally, we built a screened in porch with stained bead board ceiling, ceiling fans, and custom trim including custom columns tying the exterior architecture to the interior. Limestone columns with brick pedestals, limestone pavers and a screened in porch with pergola and a pool bath finish the experience, with a new exterior space that is not only reminiscent of the original home but allows for modern amenities for this family to enjoy for years to come.

Full to the ground Eagleston holly trees installed along a backyard fence to create a privacy screen and to add interest to the backyard landscape. Installed by Treeland Nursery in Gunter, TX.

This is an example of a coastal porch design in Chicago.

The horizontal cedar slats work with the natural lines of the home. Landscape Design and pictures by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens
Inspiration for a small mid-century modern full sun courtyard stone landscaping in Portland.

Brent Peterson
Inspiration for a mid-sized southwestern one-story adobe exterior home remodel in Albuquerque

Love the full width of this back porch, screened in to protect from the outside pests, with plenty of room for relaxing and entertaining!
Inspiration for a large transitional white two-story wood exterior home remodel in Charleston

The walk-out basement in this beautiful home features a large gameroom complete with modern seating, a large screen TV, a shuffleboard table, a full-sized pool table and a full kitchenette. The adjoining walk-out patio features a spiral staircase connecting the upper backyard and the lower side yard. The patio area has four comfortable swivel chairs surrounding a round firepit and an outdoor dining table and chairs. In the gameroom, swivel chairs allow for conversing, watching TV or for turning to view the game at the pool table. Modern artwork and a contrasting navy accent wall add a touch of sophistication to the fun space.

Inspiration for a mid-sized full sun backyard landscaping in Phoenix.

French Door Double Retractable Screen Retractable screens for French doors is the most popular application for a retractable screen. Let the fresh air in while keeping the pests out. When not in use the retractable screens disappear as not to block the view through the French doors when they are closed! • Colors available in White, Adobe, Brownstone, Desert Tan • Sturdy Milano pull bar • Cast metal color matching adjustable height handles • Superior gliding using low friction technology • Easy to install and operate • Speed reducer (brake) provides safety and controlled retraction • Recess and surface mount applications • Full length magnetic seal • Charcoal color 18x16 insect screen fabric (other optional fabrics available)

A jewel toned living room by David Dalton features custom furnishings and contemporary artwork.
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic formal and enclosed living room remodel in Los Angeles with a stone fireplace, no tv, green walls and no fireplace

Gridscape Series Colorize Full Divided Light Fixed Panel factory window shower screen featured in eclectic master bath. Grid Pattern = GS1 Metal Color = Forevergreen (Green) Glass = Clear

Plantings provide privacy screening between properties. River rock along the edge of the driveway slows water down as it sheds and prevents soil erosion in the plant bed.

Photo of a large modern full sun front yard concrete paver driveway in Portland.

Jody Kivort
Living room - small traditional enclosed painted wood floor living room idea in New York with green walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Warm and welcoming outdoor living space with screened wall, outdoor fireplace, blue slate tile, tall ceilings, outdoor ceiling fans, stucco exterior walls which all open to the interior great room.

Will Calhoun - photo This porch sat on hollow and rotting trim piers. The floor was brick set in sand which had deteriorated. The porch was jacked up to level, new beams and solid pressure treated posts were installed. The porch was trimmed with cedar allowing an upper and lower screened opening. The floor has a stone surround with brick inset all set in mortar on the poured concrete slab. A bead board ceiling painted a soft green with wooden bladed Modern Fan overhead completes an attractive room free from Connecticut insects.

Warm and welcoming outdoor living space with screened wall, outdoor fireplace, blue slate tile, tall ceilings, outdoor ceiling fans, stucco exterior walls which all open to the interior great room.