This house had a large water damage and black mold in the bathroom and kitchen area for years and no one took care of it. When we first came in we called a remediation company to remove the black mold and to keep the place safe for the owner and her children. After remediation process was done we start complete demolition process to the kitchen, bathroom, and floors around the house. we rewired the whole house and upgraded the panel box to 200amp. installed R38 insulation in the attic. replaced the AC and upgraded to 3.5 tons. Replaced the entire floors with laminate floors. open up the wall between the living room and the kitchen, creating open space. painting the interior house. installing new kitchen cabinets and counter top. installing appliances. Remodel the bathroom completely. Remodel the front yard and installing artificial grass and river stones. painting the front and side walls of the house. replacing the roof completely with cool roof asphalt shingles.

Bedroom - bedroom idea in Los Angeles

The clients were deeply attached to their existing home and its prime location, but they needed more space. The goal was to expand while preserving the character of the historical house and enhancing the ocean views. This extensive renovation modernized the space, improved its flow, and seamlessly integrated a new addition. To boost energy efficiency, we upgraded insulation throughout and replaced all windows. Inside, we refreshed the interiors with white oak ceiling beams that added warmth and delineated spaces within the open floor plan. The main stair was transformed into a striking modern feature, featuring a steel center stringer and glass rails. This design choice maintains transparency, keeping the kitchen connected to the other areas on the first floor while elevating the overall aesthetic.

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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

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a tropical home design remodel in Los Angeles

“House with the Common View,” Wallingford AWARDS: Best of Wallingford, Built Green Hammer Award Description Artistic, sustainable addition to a small Wallingford bungalow which was necessary to allow a growing family to continue to thrive in a neighborhood that they love. Challenge Growing family needed more space but they didn’t want to move. They knew that they would have to build up but don’t want to block views or ruin the experience for their neighbor friends. Because of the size and shape of the lot, there were also permitting and structuring challenges. Inspiration We found inspiration in the family and their commitment to the place, neighborhood and friends. We wanted to create a house that is not only functional and respectful of the neighbor’s view, but that actually gives back to the neighborhood. We had to lean in hard in the design process to pull all of that off. Solutions + Innovations We engaged in a meticulous design process included literal “boots on the ground” elements like standing on the property with sticks to measure the neighbor’s view. We not only maintained that view but enhanced it by giving the neighbors a view of green roof gardens on 4 sides of the house. To support that work, we had to rebuild the foundation. As an amenity for the neighborhood at large, we created a rain path that channeled into living wall and structured rain garden that was adjacent to the sidewalk. How is it sustainable? We salvaged or repurposed all of the materials that we could, including salvaging painted shingles on from house and repurposing them for a tiny play house (which also has a green roof). The old beams from basement became a cabinet in the new bathroom. We also used orchard-salvaged walnut which matched the horizontal grain already existing in the kitchen. We economized on space, saving the footprint on the main floor, and only added 600 feet upstairs which house two bedrooms and one batch. We used casework to create walls, used the stairs for part of the cabinets, and built walk-n cabinets, creating adaptable space for long term needs. More adaptable space included a sharable bathroom/wetroom which is functional for both adults and kids. We developed a green roof system, rain gardens, and a green wall along sidewalk. We took the opportunity to improve the envelope, insulating outside the building before the siding went back on. We also incorporated solar into the design, created the opportunity for natural daylighting all day on upper level and stairwell, as well as using resin-based eco countertops.

Saturday July 18, Time TBD | Boston The Macallen Building and Court Square Press Courtyard by Michael Blier, RLA, ASLA of Landworks Studio, Inc., with architect Nader Tehrani of NADAAA Located in a rapidly evolving area on the outskirts of South Boston, the Macallen Building condominium community features an award-winning landscape that evokes the neighborhood’s industrial heritage while demonstrating modern principles of sustainable development. Awarded LEED Gold certification in 2008, the project’s attention to sustainability permeates all aspects the three-tiered landscape. Paving materials, tree plantings, and lighting adorn an entry-level courtyard on the ground floor, known as “Macallen Way.” The second level landscape covers the roof of the parking garage, providing recreational space for building residents as well as a graphic garden designed to be viewed from the condominiums above. The third level—including a sloping green roof and terrace garden—is integral to the building’s achievement of LEED certification as the green space is specifically designed to improve stormwater management, ameliorate the urban heat island effect, and provide additional insulation to the building. Through use of these design elements, the landscape greatly diminishes the ecological impact of development and serves as a model for sustainable development throughout the evolving region. In addition to the Macallen Building attendees will also get to visit the adjacent Court Square Press Courtyard which won the American Society of Landscape Architect's 2006 Award of Excellence in the General Design category. The project, which was conceived as a series of fragmented views, is equally compelling both while in the space, and when viewed from above. Photo courtesy Landworks Studio

This project in Blue Bell involved a thorough renovation, including plumbing upgrades in multiple bathrooms and the addition of a tiki bar in the existing garage. We facilitated various plumbing installations, such as running gas pipes and adding an exterior faucet. Within the garage, we transformed spaces into a movie room, a powder room, and a tiki bar, complete with custom features like shelving and a gas fireplace. We also tackled flooring, doors, trim, and windows throughout the property, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic. Bathroom renovations included custom glass shower doors and unique design elements like cedar accents. Exterior improvements, such as door replacements and deck construction, were also part of our scope. Throughout the project, we adhered to building codes, completed necessary insulation and fireblocking, and applied paint according to the owner's preferences.

Major alterations to the structure completely changed the way the existing spaces felt and functioned. A pitched ceiling replaced the flat livingroom ceiling. Large sliding doors opened the living room directly onto the deck. This functionally doubled the size of the living areas, despite not increasing the footprint. The master bedroom received large stacking slider opening onto the deck, designed for privacy from the living area. Laundry and kitchen are combined with ample storage behind minimalist cabinetry. Storage and bench space are maximised while keeping everything open and airy. The white cabinetry reduces the bulk of so much storage in a smaller space. New insulation, uPVC windows and energy efficient blinds improved thermal performance. A cold house became warm, inviting,cheaper to heat and cool. The outside of the building received new window frames, colour palette, deck, facade lightling, downpipes and gutters. Retaining cladding + floors made this a cost-effective, + radical transformation.

Building materials are one of the primary sources of indoor air contaminants that negatively affect the health of our living spaces The EcoCraft team has meticulously selected building materials that are healthy, recyclable, and free of harmful contaminants thereby improving the health of our homes. Consider also that consistent temperatures between floors, rooms, and surfaces plays a critical role in how humans experience true comfort. Our advanced airtight continuously insulated building envelopes eliminate drafts and cold surface to ensure consistent air and surface temperatures. Individually zoned floors and spaces provide occupant control for added flexibility and individualized temperature settings. Our extra thick walls and energy star windows reduce sound transfer between the interior and exterior spaces, while our state of the art mechanical systems run quietly to provide an experience you can feel, but can barely hear.

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Custom Living Room Addition in Fairlawn, Ohio This Fairlawn home addition transformed an outdated rear entrance and underutilized exterior space into a bright, spacious living room designed for everyday comfort. The project began with a new foundation and structural framing before progressing through insulation, roofing, siding, windows, electrical work, and interior finishes. The completed addition features large energy-efficient windows on multiple walls, allowing natural light to fill the space throughout the day. The open layout creates a welcoming family room that connects seamlessly with the existing home while providing additional square footage for relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with family. From the exterior, the addition was carefully designed to match the home's existing siding, trim, and rooflines, creating a cohesive appearance that looks as though it was always part of the original structure. The finished space delivers improved functionality, increased home value, and a more comfortable living environment without the need to move. Homeowners often ask, "Is a home addition worth it?" For families who love their neighborhood but need more living space, a custom addition can be one of the best investments, adding both usable square footage and long-term property value.

Special thanks to our client who shared this photo with us after their addition had been completed and they were able to begin using their new space.
Kitchen - farmhouse kitchen idea in New York

Inspiration for a garage remodel in Boston

When the owner of this petite c. 1910 cottage in Riverside, RI first considered purchasing it, he fell for its charming front façade and the stunning rear water views. But it needed work. The weather-worn, water-facing back of the house was in dire need of attention. The first-floor kitchen/living/dining areas were cramped. There was no first-floor bathroom, and the second-floor bathroom was a fright. Most surprisingly, there was no rear-facing deck off the kitchen or living areas to allow for outdoor living along the Providence River. In collaboration with the homeowner, KHS proposed a number of renovations and additions. The first priority was a new cantilevered rear deck off an expanded kitchen/dining area and reconstructed sunroom, which was brought up to the main floor level. The cantilever of the deck prevents the need for awkwardly tall supporting posts that could potentially be undermined by a future storm event or rising sea level. To gain more first-floor living space, KHS also proposed capturing the corner of the wrapping front porch as interior kitchen space in order to create a more generous open kitchen/dining/living area, while having minimal impact on how the cottage appears from the curb. Underutilized space in the existing mudroom was also reconfigured to contain a modest full bath and laundry closet. Upstairs, a new full bath was created in an addition between existing bedrooms. It can be accessed from both the master bedroom and the stair hall. Additional closets were added, too. New windows and doors, new heart pine flooring stained to resemble the patina of old pine flooring that remained upstairs, new tile and countertops, new cabinetry, new plumbing and lighting fixtures, as well as a new color palette complete the updated look. Upgraded insulation in areas exposed during the construction and augmented HVAC systems also greatly improved indoor comfort. Today, the cottage continues to charm while also accommodating modern amenities and features.

view from rear garden The client’s brief was to extend the kitchen/dining room to the side to provide a generous and well-lit family space, and to add a loft bedroom and shower room to their 2-storey Victorian mid-terraced house. The project also includes thermal improvement of the rear addition envelope (insulation + render system and roof refurbishment), as well as restoration of the front facade and hard landscaping (patio) to the rear.