This renovation carefully reinterprets a 1920s Tudor home, balancing preservation with meaningful expansion. New additions and dormers are composed as if original to the house, using matching brickwork, slate-toned roofing, and traditionally proportioned gables to maintain architectural continuity. Subtle half-timbering, thoughtfully detailed masonry arches, and deeply set windows reinforce the Tudor vocabulary while allowing for significantly improved interior volume and natural light. On the rear elevation, the architecture opens to the landscape with a restrained, contemporary deck and generous glazing, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection without competing with the historic character. The result is a cohesive composition that feels timeless—one that respects the home’s origins while quietly elevating it for modern living.

This renovation carefully reinterprets a 1920s Tudor home, balancing preservation with meaningful expansion. New additions and dormers are composed as if original to the house, using matching brickwork, slate-toned roofing, and traditionally proportioned gables to maintain architectural continuity. Subtle half-timbering, thoughtfully detailed masonry arches, and deeply set windows reinforce the Tudor vocabulary while allowing for significantly improved interior volume and natural light. On the rear elevation, the architecture opens to the landscape with a restrained, contemporary deck and generous glazing, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection without competing with the historic character. The result is a cohesive composition that feels timeless—one that respects the home’s origins while quietly elevating it for modern living.

This renovation carefully reinterprets a 1920s Tudor home, balancing preservation with meaningful expansion. New additions and dormers are composed as if original to the house, using matching brickwork, slate-toned roofing, and traditionally proportioned gables to maintain architectural continuity. Subtle half-timbering, thoughtfully detailed masonry arches, and deeply set windows reinforce the Tudor vocabulary while allowing for significantly improved interior volume and natural light. On the rear elevation, the architecture opens to the landscape with a restrained, contemporary deck and generous glazing, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection without competing with the historic character. The result is a cohesive composition that feels timeless—one that respects the home’s origins while quietly elevating it for modern living.

This renovation carefully reinterprets a 1920s Tudor home, balancing preservation with meaningful expansion. New additions and dormers are composed as if original to the house, using matching brickwork, slate-toned roofing, and traditionally proportioned gables to maintain architectural continuity. Subtle half-timbering, thoughtfully detailed masonry arches, and deeply set windows reinforce the Tudor vocabulary while allowing for significantly improved interior volume and natural light. On the rear elevation, the architecture opens to the landscape with a restrained, contemporary deck and generous glazing, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection without competing with the historic character. The result is a cohesive composition that feels timeless—one that respects the home’s origins while quietly elevating it for modern living.

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Nat Rea Photography

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Mark Doyle/AutumnColor Photography

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

This interior design project was customizing a condominium unit to the taste of the new owners, while respecting the budget and priorities thereof. First, the existing bathroom on the mezzanine was enlarged across the width of the room to incorporate a large freestanding bath in the center of a generous and relaxing space. Large translucent sliding doors and an interior window have been added to let as much natural light into space as possible. The bath is highlighted by a wall of wooden slats backlit. All of the bathroom furniture and the new doors and windows were made by a cabinetmaker in the same colors as the slatted wall in order to unify these elements throughout the dwelling. At the entrance, in front of the kitchen, a column of classic inspiration has been replaced by a structural piece of furniture that divides the two spaces while incorporating additional storage and decorative alcoves. Near the ceiling of the cathedral space, a new tinted window allows natural light to enter the skylights at the top of the previously dark office.

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Nat Rea Photography

AV Architects + Builders Location: Tysons, VA, USA The Home for Life project was customized around our client’s lifestyle so that he could enjoy the home for many years to come. Designed with empty nesters and baby boomers in mind, our custom design used a different approach to the disparity of square footage on each floor. The main level measures out at 2,300 square feet while the lower and upper levels of the home measure out at 1000 square feet each, respectively. The open floor plan of the main level features a master suite and master bath, personal office, kitchen and dining areas, and a two-car garage that opens to a mudroom and laundry room. The upper level features two generously sized en-suite bedrooms while the lower level features an extra guest room with a full bath and an exercise/rec room. The backyard offers 800 square feet of travertine patio with an elegant outdoor kitchen, while the front entry has a covered 300 square foot porch with custom landscape lighting. The biggest challenge of the project was dealing with the size of the lot, measuring only a ¼ acre. Because the majority of square footage was dedicated to the main floor, we had to make sure that the main rooms had plenty of natural lighting. Our solution was to place the public spaces (Great room and outdoor patio) facing south, and the more private spaces (Bedrooms) facing north. The common misconception with small homes is that they cannot factor in everything the homeowner wants. With our custom design, we created an open concept space that features all the amenities of a luxury lifestyle in a home measuring a total of 4300 square feet. Jim Tetro Architectural Photography

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Nat Rea Photography

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Nat Rea Photography

This interior design project was customizing a condominium unit to the taste of the new owners, while respecting the budget and priorities thereof. First, the existing bathroom on the mezzanine was enlarged across the width of the room to incorporate a large freestanding bath in the center of a generous and relaxing space. Large translucent sliding doors and an interior window have been added to let as much natural light into space as possible. The bath is highlighted by a wall of wooden slats backlit. All of the bathroom furniture and the new doors and windows were made by a cabinetmaker in the same colors as the slatted wall in order to unify these elements throughout the dwelling. At the entrance, in front of the kitchen, a column of classic inspiration has been replaced by a structural piece of furniture that divides the two spaces while incorporating additional storage and decorative alcoves. Near the ceiling of the cathedral space, a new tinted window allows natural light to enter the skylights at the top of the previously dark office.

This interior design project was customizing a condominium unit to the taste of the new owners, while respecting the budget and priorities thereof. First, the existing bathroom on the mezzanine was enlarged across the width of the room to incorporate a large freestanding bath in the center of a generous and relaxing space. Large translucent sliding doors and an interior window have been added to let as much natural light into space as possible. The bath is highlighted by a wall of wooden slats backlit. All of the bathroom furniture and the new doors and windows were made by a cabinetmaker in the same colors as the slatted wall in order to unify these elements throughout the dwelling. At the entrance, in front of the kitchen, a column of classic inspiration has been replaced by a structural piece of furniture that divides the two spaces while incorporating additional storage and decorative alcoves. Near the ceiling of the cathedral space, a new tinted window allows natural light to enter the skylights at the top of the previously dark office.

This interior design project was customizing a condominium unit to the taste of the new owners, while respecting the budget and priorities thereof. First, the existing bathroom on the mezzanine was enlarged across the width of the room to incorporate a large freestanding bath in the center of a generous and relaxing space. Large translucent sliding doors and an interior window have been added to let as much natural light into space as possible. The bath is highlighted by a wall of wooden slats backlit. All of the bathroom furniture and the new doors and windows were made by a cabinetmaker in the same colors as the slatted wall in order to unify these elements throughout the dwelling. At the entrance, in front of the kitchen, a column of classic inspiration has been replaced by a structural piece of furniture that divides the two spaces while incorporating additional storage and decorative alcoves. Near the ceiling of the cathedral space, a new tinted window allows natural light to enter the skylights at the top of the previously dark office.

This interior design project was customizing a condominium unit to the taste of the new owners, while respecting the budget and priorities thereof. First, the existing bathroom on the mezzanine was enlarged across the width of the room to incorporate a large freestanding bath in the center of a generous and relaxing space. Large translucent sliding doors and an interior window have been added to let as much natural light into space as possible. The bath is highlighted by a wall of wooden slats backlit. All of the bathroom furniture and the new doors and windows were made by a cabinetmaker in the same colors as the slatted wall in order to unify these elements throughout the dwelling. At the entrance, in front of the kitchen, a column of classic inspiration has been replaced by a structural piece of furniture that divides the two spaces while incorporating additional storage and decorative alcoves. Near the ceiling of the cathedral space, a new tinted window allows natural light to enter the skylights at the top of the previously dark office.

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Eric Roth Photo

This new house respectfully steps back from the adjacent wetland. The roof line slopes up to the south to allow maximum sunshine in the winter months. Deciduous trees to the south were maintained and provide summer shade along with the home’s generous overhangs. Our signature warm modern vibe is made with vertical cedar accents that complement the warm grey metal siding. The building floor plan undulates along its south side to maximize views of the woodland garden. General Contractor: Merz Construction Landscape Architect: Elizabeth Hanna Morss Landscape Architects Structural Engineer: Siegel Associates Mechanical Engineer: Sun Engineering Photography: Nat Rea Photography

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography