This is an example of a mid-sized craftsman front yard landscaping in Indianapolis.

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

This project won in the 2013 Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh Housing Excellence Award for Best Urban Renewal Renovation Project. The glass bowl was made in the glass studio owned by the owner which is adjacent to the residence. The mirror is a repurposed window. The door is repurposed from a boarding house. George Mendel

The new patio space is greatly expanded over what was original to the home. Renn Kuhnen Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized mid-century modern full sun backyard landscaping in Milwaukee for summer.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Nestled at the end of a long flag lot driveway in Amagansett, NY, a young couple purchased the property with intentions to construct a second home for their growing family. A home that would not only be comfortable for the immediate family but also serve and grow on busy summer weekends to accommodate extended family, friends, children and guests. The tight lot along with the sizable program culminated in the building envelope being pushed to every limit, restriction and regulation one could imagine. The resulting architecture possesses a traditional Hamptons cottage exterior juxtaposed with modern elements that help break up the single mass. Centered on the entry façade is a large double story window that shrouds the floating switchback staircase on the interior. A bluestone patio wraps three sides of the home, which, in the rear, leads to a small in ground pool with a frameless glass railing. In the interior, custom white washed white oak floors run throughout the home as well as on the floating central staircase. For a more modern style of living, the open living, kitchen and dining area serve as one large entertaining space. In an area surrounded by sprawling Mcmansions, this tightly knit home functions more similar to that of a large NYC apartment by serving the perfect balance between maximized form with the right amount of function given the strict parameters. Large glass sliders open the living and dining rooms to the backyard patio and pool creating harmony between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Shaker style cabinets in the kitchen pair with a more contemporary staircase softened by the warmer wood tones of the vertical slats that surround it.

Photographer: Ann Matheis
Mid-sized elegant formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room photo in St Louis with brown walls, a standard fireplace and no tv

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

The Control/Shift House is perched on the high side of the site which takes advantage of the view to the southeast. A gradual descending path navigates the change in terrain from the street to the entry of the house. A series of low retaining walls/planter beds gather and release the earth upon the descent resulting in a fairly flat level for the house to sit on the top one third of the site. The entry axis is aligned with the celebrated stair volume and then re-centers on the actual entry axis once you approach the forecourt of the house. The initial desire was for an “H” scheme house with common entertaining spaces bridging the gap between the more private spaces. After an investigation considering the site, program, and view, a key move was made: unfold the east wing of the “H” scheme to open all rooms to the southeast view resulting in a “T” scheme. The new derivation allows for both a swim pool which is on axis with the entry and main gathering space and a lap pool which occurs on the cross axis extending along the lengthy edge of the master suite, providing direct access for morning exercise and a view of the water throughout the day. The Control/Shift House was derived from a clever way of following the “rules.” Strict HOA guidelines required very specific exterior massing restrictions which limits the lengths of unbroken elevations and promotes varying sizes of masses. The solution most often used in this neighborhood is one of addition - an aggregation of masses and program randomly attached to the inner core of the house which often results in a parasitic plan. The approach taken with the Control/Shift House was to push and pull program/massing to delineate and define the layout of the house. Massing is intentional and reiterated by the careful selection of materiality that tracks through the house. Voids and relief in the plan are a natural result of this method and allow for light and air to circulate throughout every space of the house, even into the most inner core. Photography: Charles Davis Smith

Our designer has achieved a stylish look by combining dark cabinets and light-colored marbles.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.

These homeowners came to us with an outdated and non functional bathroom space – the tub/shower was a badly installed handicapped tub in a very small bathroom. An adjacent room was so small, they couldn’t even use it for a bedroom, so they asked to take some space from that room to make a walk in shower, and then convert the remaining space to a walk in closet down the line. With a love for the age, history and character of the home, and a sharp eye for detail, the homeowners requested a strictly traditional style for their 1902 home’s new space.Beveled subway tiles, traditional bordered hexagon tile, chrome and porcelain fixtures, and oak millwork were used in order to create the feel that this bathroom has always been there. A boxed window was created to let more light into the space and sits over the new clawfoot tub. The walk-in shower is decked out with chrome fixtures, and a bench for comfort, and was designed with the intention to age gracefully in place. In the end, the black, white and emerald green color scheme are complemented by the warm oak wood and create a traditional oasis for the homeowners to enjoy for years to come.