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These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
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The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
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Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.

Upon entering Fairhope, you will be welcomed by a breathtaking entrance! This community will have recreational areas, sidewalks, and several stunning ponds. These homes will be loaded with a wide variety of features and amenities including a painted brick option, gorgeous landscaping, 3 CM granite countertops, undermount sinks throughout, wood flooring in the living area, stainless steel appliances, crown molding, custom framed mirrors in the bathrooms, and so much more. While DSLD Homes is known for many key attributes, they also pride themselves on offering top-quality features including blown-in fiberglass insulation, tankless gas water heaters, and many more top-quality features to make your home energy efficient. This community is a must-see if you are looking for the perfect place to call home!
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We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

Upon entering Fairhope, you will be welcomed by a breathtaking entrance! This community will have recreational areas, sidewalks, and several stunning ponds. These homes will be loaded with a wide variety of features and amenities including a painted brick option, gorgeous landscaping, 3 CM granite countertops, undermount sinks throughout, wood flooring in the living area, stainless steel appliances, crown molding, custom framed mirrors in the bathrooms, and so much more. While DSLD Homes is known for many key attributes, they also pride themselves on offering top-quality features including blown-in fiberglass insulation, tankless gas water heaters, and many more top-quality features to make your home energy efficient. This community is a must-see if you are looking for the perfect place to call home!

This was one of those special projects in which we were able to build not only a incredibly insulated and efficient home, but were also able to incorporate a bunch of custom woodworking, metal work, stone work and historical details into the project. We adhered to “Efficiency Vermont’s’ rigorous High Performance Home standards in the construction of this project. In addition, this was a Duplex and as a result required extra attention to special code requirements surrounding multi-family construction. We also tried to recreate the exterior details to match with the historical period of early Vermont.

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.

We used one of our existing pool designs and customized it to meet the homeowners' wishes.
Pool fountain - mediterranean courtyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped natural pool fountain idea in Sacramento
Pool fountain - mediterranean courtyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped natural pool fountain idea in Sacramento

We were given the challenge of designing a house overlooking a pond on a site constrained by wetlands. Our client had an interest in permanence and solidity and a desire to work with architectural concrete. Additionally, the client desired interiors that would showcase their substantial art collection. Our design approach began with the footprint of an L-shaped courtyard house, which in part, was determined by the limited buildable area. The house is sited on a natural rise in the land, allowing the first floor elevation to rise 15 ft above the pond’s surface; this height provides dynamic views through the trees that separate the house from the pond. Ultimately, our design leverages the inherent capabilities of architectural concrete i.e. its structural capacity; the material allows for bold cantilevers and expanses of glass, creating greater transparency between interior and exterior environments.
The interior palette is comprised of rift sawn oak with 16-inch wide oak plank flooring, oak casework and millwork, a stainless steel and glass main staircase, and minimalist concrete details throughout. On the upper level, the plan accommodates a master bedroom suite, three children’s bedrooms, and a family room. The first floor includes a guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and family room. The ground level has a recreational room, a mudroom, and office/studio. The site plan employs native plantings and includes a small resistance pool in the courtyard.
Concrete will be utilized for all of the house’s structural and insulation components. This method modulates the fluctuation of interior temperature, creating both an energy-efficient envelope and enough concrete mass to keep temperatures moderate and consistent throughout a 24-hour day. The employment of triple-glazed windows and a triple-glazed aluminum curtain wall further increases the project’s energy efficiency and allows the house to have abundant glass. Natural light permeates the interior and affords spectacular view in all directions of both Todd Pond and the neighboring woodlands.

The Sunlight Peak by Skyline Construction is a beautifully crafted four-level home that blends modern design, exceptional functionality, and premium finishes in the Buffalo Meadows community of Mills, Wyoming. Offering 2,559 square feet of finished living space, this move-in-ready residence features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and multiple living areas designed to accommodate today's active lifestyles.
The bright, open-concept main level welcomes you with abundant natural light, vaulted ceilings, and an efficient layout that creates an inviting atmosphere for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home is a thoughtfully designed kitchen featuring granite countertops, a stylish subway tile backsplash, a spacious walk-in pantry, and quality cabinetry that provides ample storage and workspace for home chefs.
The upper level is dedicated to comfort and privacy, highlighted by a spacious primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and a beautifully appointed bathroom featuring custom tile shower finishes. Additional bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family members, guests, or flexible work-from-home space.
One of the home's standout features is its fully finished lower levels, offering an additional bedroom, full bathroom, and a generous bonus living area with an egress window. Whether used as a family room, media space, home gym, playroom, or guest suite, these versatile areas significantly expand the home's functionality while maintaining Skyline Construction's high-quality craftsmanship.
Premium upgrades throughout the home include upgraded black Gerkin energy-efficient windows, luxury vinyl plank flooring, custom tile showers, central air conditioning, and an enlarged rear patio ideal for outdoor gatherings. The attached two-car garage has been fully insulated and professionally finished with drywall, texture, and paint, creating a polished and highly functional workspace.
Outside, the fully fenced backyard provides privacy and space for recreation, while the professionally landscaped front yard features an automatic underground sprinkler system for easy maintenance. Located in Buffalo Meadows, homeowners enjoy convenient access to schools, parks, shopping, and the Casper area while taking advantage of beautiful mountain views and the comfort of new construction.
Built by Skyline Construction, the Sunlight Peak demonstrates the company's dedication to superior craftsmanship, energy-efficient building practices, and thoughtfully designed homes that combine style, comfort, and lasting value.

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.

Located in the established Eagle Estates neighborhood of Evansville, Wyoming, this beautifully updated four-level home combines modern finishes, flexible living areas, and practical features for everyday life. With 2,034 square feet of finished living space, the residence offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a recently completed daylight basement, and an attached two-car garage.
The bright upper-level living area features vaulted ceilings and an open, welcoming atmosphere. Updated luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh carpeting, modern hardware, and improved fixtures give the home a clean and cohesive appearance while preserving the comfortable character of the original design.
The renovated kitchen offers granite countertops, updated cabinetry and finishes, and a full collection of new appliances, including the refrigerator. Its connection to the dining and living areas provides an efficient layout for daily meals, entertaining, and family gatherings.
The primary bedroom includes a private bathroom and walk-in closet, creating a comfortable retreat with convenient storage. Two additional bedrooms and multiple bathrooms provide flexibility for family members, overnight guests, or a home office.
A recently finished daylight basement expands the home's usable space with a comfortable family room and additional bathroom. This lower level can accommodate a media area, recreation room, fitness space, playroom, or guest accommodations while benefiting from natural light.
Updates extend beyond the visible finishes and include improvements to plumbing, electrical components, hardware, and fixtures. Central air conditioning, forced-air natural gas heat, double-pane windows, and a sump pump contribute to year-round comfort and functionality. The roof was also replaced in 2025, adding meaningful long-term value.
The attached two-car garage has been insulated, drywalled, textured, and painted, creating a clean and versatile space for parking, storage, hobbies, or workshop use. Additional off-street parking provides room for an RV, recreational equipment, trailers, or extra vehicles.
Outside, mature front and backyard landscaping creates an inviting setting with established greenery and an automatic underground sprinkler system. The fully fenced backyard offers privacy and space for outdoor gatherings, pets, gardening, or recreation, while the covered front porch adds a welcoming finishing touch.
This renovated Eagle Estates home demonstrates how thoughtful updates can improve comfort, style, and functionality while making the most of an established residential property in Evansville and the greater Casper area.

This beautifully designed two-story home by Skyline Construction showcases modern craftsmanship, upgraded finishes, and breathtaking mountain views in the Robertson Hills community of Mills, Wyoming. Offering 2,326 square feet of finished living space, this custom home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a professionally finished basement, and thoughtfully selected upgrades throughout.
The open-concept main level is filled with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen is designed for home chefs, featuring granite countertops, an undermount black granite sink, quality cabinetry, modern appliances, and an efficient layout that seamlessly connects to the dining and living areas.
The private primary suite offers a relaxing retreat with a spacious bathroom and walk-in closet, while additional bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family, guests, or home office space. The finished basement expands the home's versatility with additional living space, a bedroom, and a full bathroom, making it ideal for entertaining or multi-generational living.
Throughout the home, premium upgrades include luxury vinyl plank flooring, custom shiplap accent walls, a black hardware package, hand-troweled drywall texture, energy-efficient windows, and modern finishes that enhance both style and durability. The fully finished attached garage is insulated, textured, and painted for a polished appearance and year-round functionality.
Outdoor living is equally impressive with a large deck overlooking beautiful mountain views, professionally landscaped front and back yards, an automatic underground sprinkler system, and an oversized fence gate providing additional parking for trailers, recreational vehicles, or extra storage.
Built by Skyline Construction, this home reflects the company's commitment to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and energy-efficient construction. Located in Robertson Hills, homeowners enjoy convenient access to Casper, schools, parks, shopping, recreation, and the natural beauty of central Wyoming while enjoying the comfort of a professionally crafted custom home.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

An unfinished basement was completely remodeled as a bar / recreation room. Brick arches cap the recessed shelves and cabinets.
Existing floor joists above were sand-blasted clean and stained. Radiant heating tubes were installed between the joists then covered with insulation and polished plaster. Floors received reclaimed wide plank oak flooring. The client selected all of the commercial grade bar equipment for behind the bar, including the decorative beer taps.

This custom villa is a thoughtfully designed home that blends warmth, functionality, and refined elegance, creating the perfect haven for a client with a large, frequently visiting family. Every detail was crafted to provide a sense of comfort and connection while maintaining the sophistication of a modern villa. The design emphasizes open-plan living, efficient use of space, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
The heart of the home is the inviting kitchen, featuring timeless cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a spacious island that encourages gathering and conversation. A large walk-in pantry provides both convenience and organization for daily living and entertaining. The adjacent great room combines natural textures, a stone fireplace, and custom built-ins to create a cozy yet elevated atmosphere. Oversized windows bring in abundant natural light and frame views of the landscaped patio and power-screened porch—an outdoor living space ideal for relaxation and hosting guests.
This villa offers three full bathrooms and three bedrooms, each designed with comfort and privacy in mind. The master suite serves as a serene retreat with elegant finishes and a spa-inspired bathroom. The home’s study, designed for an avid reader, features custom built-in shelving with a rolling library ladder, combining beauty and purpose in one personalized space.
Downstairs, the Ohio State–themed recreation room adds a distinctive touch of personality and fun. Complete with a bold red wet bar, game table, and entertainment space, this area captures the spirit of the homeowner’s passion and provides the perfect spot for family gatherings and game days.
Beyond its craftsmanship and design, this home demonstrates exceptional energy efficiency. The homeowners proudly share that their energy bills are less than half the cost of their previous home—despite this villa being significantly larger. This achievement reflects not only superior construction techniques and insulation practices but also the thoughtful integration of energy-smart materials and systems throughout the build.
Every element of this home—from the crown moldings and custom cabinetry to the efficient mechanical systems—was designed to balance comfort, performance, and timeless style. The result is a warm, inviting, and remarkably efficient villa that embodies family-friendly living without compromise.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture
Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset.
The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu .
Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home.
The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south.
Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature.
Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design.
Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view.
Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward.
Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan
Structural Engineer: ZFA
Contractor: Maison D’Artiste
Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2023

An expansive garage layout designed for both everyday functionality and flexibility, featuring durable epoxy flooring, oversized bays, and a unique rear garage connection that extends the full depth of the home with direct backyard access. The Brentwood plan offers a traditional 2-car front garage alongside an extended tandem-style rear bay capable of accommodating additional vehicles, storage, workshop space, or recreational equipment while maintaining a clean, modern exterior aesthetic.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
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The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
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Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.
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