Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This barn home is modeled after an existing Nebraska barn in Lancaster County. Heating is by passive solar design, supplemented by a geothermal radiant floor system. Cooling uses a whole house fan and a passive air flow system. The passive system is created with the cupola, windows, transoms and passive venting for cooling, rather than a forced air system. Because fresh water is not available from a well nor county water, water will be provided by rainwater harvesting. The water will be collected from a gutter system, go into a series of nine holding tanks and then go through a water filtration system to provide drinking water for the home. A greywater system will then recycle water from the sinks and showers to be reused in the toilets. Low-flow fixtures will be used throughout the home to conserve water. Photo Credits: Jackson Studios

This young family wanted to update their kitchen and loved getting away to the coast. We tried to bring a little of the coast to their suburban Chicago home. The statement pantry doors with antique mirror add a wonderful element to the space. The large island gives the family a wonderful space to hang out, The custom "hutch' area is actual full of hidden outlets to allow for all of the electronics a place to charge. Warm brass details and the stunning tile complete the area.

The client was referred to us by the builder to build a vacation home where the family mobile home used to be. Together, we visited Key Largo and once there we understood that the most important thing was to incorporate nature and the sea inside the house. A meeting with the architect took place after and we made a few suggestions that it was taking into consideration as to change the fixed balcony doors by accordion doors or better known as NANA Walls, this detail would bring the ocean inside from the very first moment you walk into the house as if you were traveling in a cruise. A client's request from the very first day was to have two televisions in the main room, at first I did hesitate about it but then I understood perfectly the purpose and we were fascinated with the final results, it is really impressive!!! and he does not miss any football games, while their children can choose their favorite programs or games. An easy solution to modern times for families to share various interest and time together. Our purpose from the very first day was to design a more sophisticate style Florida Keys home with a happy vibe for the entire family to enjoy vacationing at a place that had so many good memories for our client and the future generation. Architecture Photographer : Mattia Bettinelli

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

Clients were looking for an open space that had the feel of a relaxed weekend retreat in the kitchen. Counter seating includes interaction with the cook, and there is ample storage space without feeling closed in. The appliances are of adequate size for family and entertaining guests, and there is great traffic flow. Some special features included are: Stone facade focal point and flanking stone end walls; Dual counter heights on island provide height for laptop usage plus creates a visual transition from the working space of the island; faux beam between kitchen and family room adding to the open feel; new hardwood floor; stainless steel farm sink and service sink; LED lighting fixtures. Photo cred: Carbajal

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

The FINNE Svendsen Building is a striking and highly energy-efficient loft building in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. The design and building process was unusual, since architect Nils Finne was both designer and builder owner. The client-architect meetings were brief! The building occupies a corner lot, with street facades on the south and west. The two street facades have a nuanced play of light and shadow. The walls of glass and wood are treated as folded planes, with each façade folding back and forth within an overall depth dimension of about 10”. On floors one and three, the large glass panels project forward, while on floor two, the glass is recessed. The pattern on floor two is an inverted version of floors one and three. The wood spandrel panels are custom-milled Western Red Cedar with a blackened stain. The live-work building creates large, open loft spaces on three floors, with high ceilings, huge windows and exposed long-span steel structure. The building can accommodate a range of uses, both present and future. The three floors of the building have 12-ft ceilings and 11-ft high windows with exposed structural steel supports and steel decking ceilings. The floors are clear-span without internal columns interrupting the work space. Mechanical air distribution is limited to the linear core on the northern side of the building, so work areas have clean metal decking ceilings with no ductwork. The building has in-floor radiant heating and cooling, resulting in minimal energy usage. Operating windows are placed strategically throughout the façade, allowing the building to be naturally ventilated in Seattle’s mild climate. The oversized window walls on the south and west also allow natural lighting to penetrate deeply onto the floor plate, keeping lights turned off for much of the daylight hours. A custom sapele wood front door presents a warm contrast to the building’s blackened wood cladding. A delicate screen of wood slats filters light into the main building lobby. The 3-story stair opens directly from the lobby and has been designed to encourage use on a daily basis, keeping elevator usage to a minimum. A three-story glass wall floods the stairwell with natural light, and the all-steel stair floats in the space. Custom-designed perforations in the steel stair railing panels provide unexpected shadow patterns when the late-afternoon sun shines into the stairwell. The building was designed to be a sustainable structure from the start, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance Low-E insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. The building roof has been equipped with photovoltaic panels for electrical production, averaging about 850 Kwh per year. The modest initial amount of PV panels will be expanded over time. The radiant hydronic heating and cooling system allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The 6” thick concrete slabs for the radiant tubes conserve both heat in the winter and cooling in the summer and provide great comfort for the feet. During the winter months, the radiant heating system keeps overall energy consumption to a very low level. The 9000 SF building costs about $35/month to heat! During the summer, the passive strategies of natural ventilation combine with the radiant slab cooling to minimize air conditioning load. Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are also used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into work spaces and passively warm the concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the building. The high level of craft evident in the building reflects another key principle of sustainable design: eschew “throw-away-ism” and make the building last many years!

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Inspiration for a large modern master porcelain tile, gray floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling freestanding bathtub remodel in Philadelphia with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartzite countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

Travel is more than just the act of going from one place to another; it’s an exploration of new perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, the journey holds the power to change you in unexpected ways. Exoticca Helps a lot to Travel. 1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination Too often, we focus on reaching the destination, ticking off items on our travel bucket list. But some of the most memorable moments in travel happen when we slow down and engage with the world around us. Take time to walk through a bustling market, share a meal with a local family, or simply sit on a beach at sunset. These moments allow us to experience the true essence of a place beyond its landmarks. 2. Travel with Purpose In today’s fast-paced world, many travelers are seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. Whether it’s volunteering in a foreign country, participating in eco-tourism, or learning a new skill, travel can be a gateway to personal growth. Traveling with purpose adds value to your journey and ensures that it impacts not only you but the places you visit. Volunteering in a community, helping preserve nature, or supporting local artisans can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and connection to the world. 3. The Magic of Cultural Immersion One of the best ways to travel is to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re visiting. Skip the tourist traps and spend time in local neighborhoods. Try the street food, learn a few words in the local language, and embrace local traditions. The more you engage with the culture, the richer your experience will be. This immersion leads to a greater understanding and respect for different ways of life, fostering deeper connections between people across the globe. 4. Sustainable Travel: A Responsibility for the Future As travelers, we must recognize the impact our journeys can have on the environment. Sustainable travel practices are becoming more essential than ever before. From reducing plastic usage to supporting eco-friendly accommodations, there are many ways to ensure that our travels leave a positive legacy. Before your trip, research sustainable activities, respect wildlife, and consider how your visit affects local ecosystems. This mindset not only protects the planet but enhances your overall travel experience by aligning it with a purpose. 5. Travel Challenges: Growth Through Adversity It’s not always smooth sailing. Missed flights, language barriers, unexpected weather, or cultural misunderstandings can make travel seem daunting. However, these challenges can also offer some of the most rewarding experiences. Overcoming adversity while traveling encourages adaptability, patience, and resilience. These moments allow you to connect more deeply with yourself and the world, turning what could be a frustrating experience into an unforgettable lesson in growth. 6. Rediscovering Yourself Through Travel The act of leaving behind your daily routine and exploring new places often leads to self-reflection. Away from the distractions of everyday life, you have space to reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s finding peace in nature, discovering a new passion, or challenging your comfort zone, travel is a powerful tool for self-discovery. Many travelers report feeling more energized, inspired, and aware of their true desires after a meaningful journey. 7. Tips for a Seamless Travel Experience To make the most of your travels, planning is key. Here are a few tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey: Research your destination: Learn about the local culture, customs, and etiquette to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. Pack smart: Pack light and include only essentials to keep your travels stress-free. A good travel bag and comfortable shoes are a must! Stay flexible: Sometimes, plans go awry. Stay adaptable and be open to spontaneous adventures. Engage with locals: The best recommendations often come from those who live in the area. Don't be afraid to ask for tips or hidden gems. Capture memories: While it’s important to live in the moment, capturing photos or journaling your experiences can help you relive your journey long after it ends. 8. The Future of Travel: Trends to Watch As we look to the future, the way we travel is evolving. Virtual reality and AI are changing the way we plan and experience destinations, allowing for more personalized and immersive adventures. Moreover, the rise of wellness travel is focusing on mental and physical health, with more travelers seeking destinations that offer relaxation and rejuvenation. Regardless of how travel continues to evolve, the spirit of discovery and connection will always remain at the heart of every journey. Conclusion: Traveling for a Better World Travel is a transformative experience that connects us to the world, broadens our understanding, and enriches our lives. By approaching travel with an open mind, a sense of responsibility, and a desire for authentic experiences, we not only enhance our journeys but contribute to the global community. As you pack your bags for your next adventure, remember that every step you take is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a more interconnected world.

Recently I was called to a house in the very small town of Marton in Warwickshire which is known for its proximity to the medieval “Marton Bridge”, which lies just to the north, crossing the River Leam. The entire downstairs flooring of my client’s house consisted of Quarry tiles apart from one room where the tiles had been covered by screed and then linoleum. Quarry tiles are a classic hard wearing tile used for both internal and external commercial and residential flooring due to its ability to withstand heavy usage. Reception areas, outdoor patios and porches, for example, are commonly tiled using Quarry. My client wanted to restore the covered floor back to its original state so that it would match the rest of the downstairs. Realising that this would be a complex and physically demanding task, my client decided to call in Tile Doctor to carry out the restoration. Removing the Linoleum covering was a relatively straightforward process, so I was able to do this relatively quickly. The main issue concerned removing the screed, which is far more difficult to remove, requiring a lot of physical scraping. Thus I opted to call in some extra manpower in the form of the Nottinghamshire Tile Doctor, Steve Carpenter. With the two of us armed with scrapers we set about removing the screed, taking extra care not to damage the Quarry tile underneath. Once Steve and I had scraped off as much of the screed as physically possible, I applied a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Remove & Go, a stripper with cleaning properties that is particularly effective at breaking down coatings such as adhesives, plasters and sealers. The product was left to dwell for ten minutes before I worked it into the stone with a scrubbing pad. After cleaning the tiles, I noticed a layer of grout haze on the surface of the exposed Quarry tiles, so I applied Tile Doctor Grout Clean-Up to remove it. Once the cleaning process was complete I gave the floor a thorough rinse with clean water, before soaking up the resulting residue with a wet-vac machine. The first day of work was a gruelling 12 hours long, but I was very pleased with the results and left the floor to dry overnight. On day two I returned to finish the job by sealing the newly uncovered Quarry tiles, but not before using a damp meter to check that they were completely dry. Any excess moisture left on unsealed tiles can potentially effect the performance of any sealers that are applied. I sealed the tiles using Tile Doctor Colour Grow, an impregnating, colour-enhancing sealer which gave the surface an aesthetically pleasing shine, as well as durable protection against dirt and wear for the future. After two long days of work the job was done and the transformation was fantastic and highly rewarding to see, the house now has a fantastic looking Quarry tiled floor running throughout the entirety of the lower level. Mick Gayton Warwickshire Tile Doctor

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

We used: Custom cherry cabinetry in Arts & Crafts Shaker style by Kabinart in Boulder and Espresso stains. Liberty Hardware Venetian bronze 1-1/2" cabinet knobs. KitchenAid Architect II Series 22 CF counter-depth French door refrigerator. KitchenAid Architect Series II 27" convection single wall oven. KitchenAid 36" 6-burner dual fuel freestanding commercial-style range. KitchenAid Architect II Series 24" dishwasher. Sharp Insight Pro Series 24" built-in microwave drawer (Model #KB6524PS). Crystorama Solaris 12" wide pendant lights in English bronze. Granite countertops in Brown Fantasy. 3"x6" polished marble backsplash. Paint colors: Walls: Glidden Silver Cloud 30YY 63/024 Ceilings/Trims/Doors: Glidden Swan White GLC23 Robert B. Narod Photography

Stone Stairs by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: Antique Stone Stairs Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com Stairs are one of the most basic indoors and outdoors architectural feature that are a must both functionally and esthetically speaking. In landscaping beside their obvious usefulness in helping you access various elevations on your property they will also allow you to divide and breakup various section of your outdoor design, they'll help you redirect your line of sight to specific focal points of interest and by themselves can make a powerful design statement that symbolizes hospitality and openness towards guests. When creating staircases out of our antique stone building elements we focus on waring all of those hats that your stairs need to ware in order to serve their intended multipurpose role. Most don't dwell or even think twice about this seemingly rudimentary and basic building element that on its surface seems unchanged from the days of the Roman empire. However we've identified various stairs designs and cataloged over 30 divers stone stairs type that forms the bulk of our stone stair library. Here are a few that are noteworthy of mentioning: 1- The thick hexagon staggered stepping stone stairs ideal for any ancient, whimsical, 17th century English or Asiatic landscaping themes you may be using in your outdoors. 2- The 3" and 5" Thick foundation slab slices that are massive cut-out chunks from salvaged cornerstone foundation blocks that used to be laid underneath old farmhouses and building structures in medieval and renaissance Europe before the invention of modern cement and steel foundations. 3- The double stacked antique reclaimed limestone stair edge and risers. All made out of our various lines of very hard antique limestone paves that defies all weather types from sub-Saharan to Tundra climates and perfect for both indoors and outdoors applications. 4- Full blocked 8" thick (or more) )stairs with both the squared backs and the slanted backs ideal for the outdoors or for creating a self-supporting structure that will allow architects and designer an extended range of design options and usages. 5- Limestone stairs with Encaustic Tile raisers ideal for any coastal Spanish or Italian style home. 6- Thick and solid single pieced bull-nosed stairs and raisers flanked by wrist high limestone balustrades when used on the outdoor entryway staircase of your home. All of those types of stairs and countless many others will play an invisible role in defining the character and feel of your future home.

CAMBRIA QUARTZ - BERWYN, OLIMPIA TILE, AND POSEIDON BACKSPLASH

LEED Certification level: lEE FOR HOMES (V.3),SILVER. In Oct 8,2015, USGBC honored a Brazilian Project with the First LEED FOR HOMES certificate of Brazil, awarded with a high Silver score, ((81.5 final ptos - 12.5( HSA) resulting 69 ptos)) due to green strategies applied in different areas of construction. This outstanding result could only be achieved with the collaboration of a well-integrated team of professionals, focused on unifying solutions suitable to all areas of construction, with materials that provide high efficiency and counted on an experienced and dedicated team, the support given by homeowner during entire process was essential to success of this project. The owner, who embraced LEED concepts, found his incentive on his granddaughter, who must have the opportunity to grow in an environment with availability of all natural resources, and endeavored to gather the team and to find solutions that best fit each opportunity. The consequence of this work was an exceptional residence, being an impressive showcase of green building strategies that have come together in a home. Alphaville Dom Pedro Residence, as the project was named, sets an example of quality and sustainability, achieving new standards required by condominium rules of construction in Campinas city, 80 miles from São Paulo, state's capital capital. The construction was managed by LCP Engineering & Construction, using the innovative Ecogrid® technology, based on SCIP (Structured Concrete Insulated Panel) construction, which provided this home a high thermal-acoustic performance, reduction on waste generation during construction and minimal energy consumption. Furthermore, this project was planned to take full advantage of the sun’s potential, through the usage of solar and photovoltaic panels, designed to produce the energy needed to heat all water from house and pool, as well as generate part of the electricity consumed. Being one of the most treasured resources, a special care was given by the project team to the water management system. Saving water plays a big role in this fascinating project: action was taken to allow all water used in showers, sinks and from the rain to be reused after the treatment through a natural process, phytoremediation by wetland, for irrigation and toilets. Also efficient faucets and showers that have a low flow rate were used. The irrigation and landscape design, fully done with native vegetation, demands a low amount of water to fuel the drip irrigation system implemented on 100% of the landscape area. Separate zones of irrigation were installed according to watering needs, equipped with an automatic activation system, moisture sensor and pressure regulation devices, all programmed to minimize evaporation losses. Polypropylene Random Copolymer (PPR) pipes were used replacing the PVC as non-toxic material, guarantying the joints between pipes and fittings for total security system . Furthermore, a high degree of internal living quality was achieved minimizing the bacterial proliferation; mold, mildew and termite free due to the Ecogrid Technology. All finishing used on this residence, like tiles, faucets, toilets have a high percentage of recycle materials, provided by local manufacturers, promoting the maturity of the local industries complying with the rating of the certification process. This marvel project is extremely important to the national market, representing a significant milestone in the Latin in Brazilian Residential Building Sector, bringing the LEED for Homes certification and establishing sustainable parameters to future home builders for example: The house produces 46% of the energy used, NET Zero, Inverter Split air conditioning system, 100% of the hot water coming from solar panel, PVC free, use PPR pipes, Use phytoremediation process achieving 62% efficient water reuse, 95% efficiency in non construction waste, Confortable and Healthy Interior Environment. In rapids highlights, *Inovation in the technologic process of construction , ECOGRIDE, witch besides the environmental comfort, regards for the salubrity and owner,s welfare. *Exceeded average rates of energy efficiency with the use of photovoltaic panels, HVAC and home appliances with the inverter technology. *Consolidated the importance of social and education environmental practices of the workers and owner. *Reference on sustainable urban condominiums with quality and connectivity in the state of Sao Paulo and Contribute for the Brazilian market improvement and proved that actual market is already prepare to supply the sustainable construction. But the must important was…. “Once Upon a Time“… there was a devoted grandfather, who believed in a better world for his granddaughter, seeking for solutions to leave a legacy of learning and achievements ways for future generations. This beautiful love story has a happy ending, with the reception of First Leed For Homes Silver in Brazil and First Leed For Homes Silver in Latin America, for this wonderful residence. A home full of love, affection and “sweet home” for many happy moments between this grandfather and his granddaughter.