The minimal windows Guillotine Windows installed to this new build property offers high levels of thermal insulations, solar protection and transparency. Glass balustrades were used on the staircase as a protection batter while allowing light to penetrate further into the building.

This project was an exercise in minimalism — how it can be embraced and incorporated at multiple levels. Typical of San Franciscan Victorians, the dark interior of this home was segregated and circulation spaces were narrow and dark. The stairs to the upper level was an afterthought and tucked away. By removing the walls and rebuilding the stairs, we shifted the focus of this home’s interior and made the stairs the focal point. This project pays homage to the stairs, a critical element in the function and tone the home sets. As a transitional element, it carries the user from level to level, function to function, and mindset to mindset. The goal of this remodel was to invite the user upstairs and offer a more integrated transition to the upper level while at the same time using it to create a shaft of light into the inner recesses of the living space below. As one ascends the stairs, the floor gradually disappears revealing a naked structural spine as the stairs reaches the upper level. The dormer addition offered ample headspace and invites columns of light to penetrate below. The cantilevered floor and shadow play this offers, dynamically marks its imprint on both levels. Ancillary and storage spaces tucked away neatly and delicately – reminding us that expression should not be at the expense of function. Delicate and clean food preparation areas — now integrated with the rest of the home — invite us to celebrate this expression of unity.

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The owners of this San Francisco three-story hillside residence hoped for a brighter outlook for their MCM home. The original enclosed interior staircase prevented light from penetrating the adjacent rooms. A redesigned open steel staircase with floating treads now allows light from above to filter down through all levels. The primary bedroom located at the rear facing a hillside was expanded with large sliding doors that open out to a new deck, creating a relaxing private retreat for the parents while flooding the bedroom with natural light. San Francisco required the original look of the front facade to be maintained for historical purposes, and the back of the expanded primary closet cabinetry that now faces outward was painted black in order to maintain the appearance of the original window design. The family of four now enjoys much brighter days and a more open feel in their reconfigured house, including a new family room on the lower level, which they can enjoy together. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Chuang-Ming Liu, Ethan Taylor, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Contractor: A.L. Martin Construction Inc. Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers Photography: ©2017 Scott Chernis Completion Year: 2017

The owners of this San Francisco three-story hillside residence hoped for a brighter outlook for their MCM home. The original enclosed interior staircase prevented light from penetrating the adjacent rooms. A redesigned open steel staircase with floating treads now allows light from above to filter down through all levels. The primary bedroom located at the rear facing a hillside was expanded with large sliding doors that open out to a new deck, creating a relaxing private retreat for the parents while flooding the bedroom with natural light. San Francisco required the original look of the front facade to be maintained for historical purposes, and the back of the expanded primary closet cabinetry that now faces outward was painted black in order to maintain the appearance of the original window design. The family of four now enjoys much brighter days and a more open feel in their reconfigured house, including a new family room on the lower level, which they can enjoy together. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Chuang-Ming Liu, Ethan Taylor, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Contractor: A.L. Martin Construction Inc. Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers Photography: ©2017 Scott Chernis Completion Year: 2017

The minimal windows Guillotine Windows installed to this new build property offers high levels of thermal insulations, solar protection and transparency. Glass balustrades were used on the staircase as a protection batter while allowing light to penetrate further into the building.

The owners of this San Francisco three-story hillside residence hoped for a brighter outlook for their MCM home. The original enclosed interior staircase prevented light from penetrating the adjacent rooms. A redesigned open steel staircase with floating treads now allows light from above to filter down through all levels. The primary bedroom located at the rear facing a hillside was expanded with large sliding doors that open out to a new deck, creating a relaxing private retreat for the parents while flooding the bedroom with natural light. San Francisco required the original look of the front facade to be maintained for historical purposes, and the back of the expanded primary closet cabinetry that now faces outward was painted black in order to maintain the appearance of the original window design. The family of four now enjoys much brighter days and a more open feel in their reconfigured house, including a new family room on the lower level, which they can enjoy together. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Chuang-Ming Liu, Ethan Taylor, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Contractor: A.L. Martin Construction Inc. Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers Photography: ©2017 Scott Chernis Completion Year: 2017

While the beauty of this clients’ kitchen lies in its individuality, some key features run through various successful kitchen designs. Every essential feature satisfied both functional and ascetically pleasing needs of the client. Starting from a broken up home with its defined kitchen, dining room, informal living room and home bar, we reinvented the first floor into a flexible living space. This Transitional kitchen has an open-plan, featuring distinct zones for cooking, eating and lounging, an Island unit that penetrates into the dinning and bar zone creating a subtle boundary in the entire room. The principles of maximizing light and space combined with creating a generous amount of storage space and a balance of transparent, opaque and reflective materials guided the design of the new space. Granite countertops meeting marble tile backsplash wrapping around picture windows helped to bounce lights around the room. The off white cabinets with Burnt Sienna glazing, gave a warm contrast throughout the entire room, the show stopping glass large pendant lights over the island captured modern essence. Photography by Cindi with an eye

We were hired to finish the basement of our clients cottage in Haliburton. The house is a woodsy craftsman style. Basements can be dark so we used pickled pine to brighten up this 3000 sf space which allowed us to remain consistent with the vibe of the overall cottage. We delineated the large open space in to four functions - a Family Room (with projector screen TV viewing above the fireplace and a reading niche); a Game Room with access to large doors open to the lake; a Guest Bedroom with sitting nook; and an Exercise Room. Glass was used in the french and barn doors to allow light to penetrate each space. Shelving units were used to provide some visual separation between the Family Room and Game Room. The fireplace referenced the upstairs fireplace with added inspiration from a photo our clients saw and loved. We provided all construction docs and furnishings will installed soon.

Our intent was to create a contemporary beach house that would combine the simplicity of geometrical spaces and volumes with warm materials. This family weekend house is entered at the upper street level through a translucent glass gate that is set between the simple geometric volumes of the house and adjacent monumental gate pier, giving the feeling of penetrating a solid volume of architecture to arrive at your destination. This leads down to the entry courtyard space, defined by the bold architecture on three sides, dense landscape on the other side and a reflecting pool to contrast the manmade with the natural. The solid entry facade, creating intrigue and providing privacy, contrasts with the glass oceanside facades, providing view and transparency. The house is organized around a dramatic skylit central hall with a monumental stair made of wood treads that seem to float on brushed stainless steel supports—the stair is both art/sculpture and architecture. Materials in muted and warm colors—beige plaster walls, floors in random ashlar limestone at the lower seaside level, wire-brushed oak floors at the second floor and stair, and travertine baths—maintain a united color scheme that is punctuated by colorful fabrics and the owner’s collection of tribal art and modern furnishings. Interior design by Atelier AM Landscape architecture by Mark Beall

The owners of this property approached LB LounsBury Group to request information on an addition to their corner lot property and re-finishing of their existing home, which would accommodate their growing family. Upon conversations that determined budgets and schedules and the necessary permit approvals, LB LounsBury Group began construction. This involved the tearing down of the small existing rear addition to the original house. Finishes throughout the house were aged and outdated. Electrical and mechanical systems were in need of upgrades, basement apartment had low ceilings and limited light distribution. LB LounsBury Group lowered, underpinned and added radiant heat to the basement floor, created a legal basement apartment with 7ft. + ceilings, built the new 1000 sq. ft. addition around the tree root, protecting the natural element existing in the property. By the use of a helical pile, we cantilevered the addition to allow for the desired size. We installed new electrical and mechanical systems, built new staircases and installed a 14 ft. x10 ft. feature window in the new addition to allow natural light to penetrate the home. A new roof was built and siding was added to the addition for a profession finish look. Upon completion of the project, we assisted our clients with their move back into the home. The property was then estimated to have 2700 sq. ft. not including a basement apartment, and was evaluated to have increased in value by 40%.

The minimal windows Guillotine Windows installed to this new build property offers high levels of thermal insulations, solar protection and transparency. Glass balustrades were used on the staircase as a protection batter while allowing light to penetrate further into the building.

While the beauty of this clients’ kitchen lies in its individuality, some key features run through various successful kitchen designs. Every essential feature satisfied both functional and ascetically pleasing needs of the client. Starting from a broken up home with its defined kitchen, dining room, informal living room and home bar, we reinvented the first floor into a flexible living space. This Transitional kitchen has an open-plan, featuring distinct zones for cooking, eating and lounging, an Island unit that penetrates into the dinning and bar zone creating a subtle boundary in the entire room. The principles of maximizing light and space combined with creating a generous amount of storage space and a balance of transparent, opaque and reflective materials guided the design of the new space. Granite countertops meeting marble tile backsplash wrapping around picture windows helped to bounce lights around the room. The off white cabinets with Burnt Sienna glazing, gave a warm contrast throughout the entire room, the show stopping glass large pendant lights over the island captured modern essence. Photography by Cindi with an eye

Clever way to create an access panel and have it blend in to the wall! We were hired to finish the basement of our clients cottage in Haliburton. The house is a woodsy craftsman style. Basements can be dark so we used pickled pine to brighten up this 3000 sf space which allowed us to remain consistent with the vibe of the overall cottage. We delineated the large open space in to four functions - a Family Room (with projector screen TV viewing above the fireplace and a reading niche); a Game Room with access to large doors open to the lake; a Guest Bedroom with sitting nook; and an Exercise Room. Glass was used in the french and barn doors to allow light to penetrate each space. Shelving units were used to provide some visual separation between the Family Room and Game Room. The fireplace referenced the upstairs fireplace with added inspiration from a photo our clients saw and loved. We provided all construction docs and furnishings will installed soon.

Our intent was to create a contemporary beach house that would combine the simplicity of geometrical spaces and volumes with warm materials. This family weekend house is entered at the upper street level through a translucent glass gate that is set between the simple geometric volumes of the house and adjacent monumental gate pier, giving the feeling of penetrating a solid volume of architecture to arrive at your destination. This leads down to the entry courtyard space, defined by the bold architecture on three sides, dense landscape on the other side and a reflecting pool to contrast the manmade with the natural. The solid entry facade, creating intrigue and providing privacy, contrasts with the glass oceanside facades, providing view and transparency. The house is organized around a dramatic skylit central hall with a monumental stair made of wood treads that seem to float on brushed stainless steel supports—the stair is both art/sculpture and architecture. Materials in muted and warm colors—beige plaster walls, floors in random ashlar limestone at the lower seaside level, wire-brushed oak floors at the second floor and stair, and travertine baths—maintain a united color scheme that is punctuated by colorful fabrics and the owner’s collection of tribal art and modern furnishings. Interior design by Atelier AM Landscape architecture by Mark Beall

The Glo European Windows A5 Series windows and doors were carefully selected for the Whitefish Residence to support the high performance and modern architectural design of the home. Triple pane glass, a larger continuous thermal break, multiple air seals, and high performance spacers all help to eliminate condensation and heat convection while providing durability to last the lifetime of the building. This higher level of efficiency will also help to keep continued utility costs low and maintain comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Large fixed window units mulled together in the field provide sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond. Full light exterior doors with transom windows above provide natural daylight to penetrate deep into the home. A large lift and slide door opens the living area to the exterior of the home and creates an atmosphere of spaciousness and ethereality. Modern aluminum frames with clean lines paired with stainless steel handles accent the subtle details of the architectural design. Tilt and turn windows throughout the space allow the option of natural ventilation while maintaining clear views of the picturesque landscape.

While the beauty of this clients’ kitchen lies in its individuality, some key features run through various successful kitchen designs. Every essential feature satisfied both functional and ascetically pleasing needs of the client. Starting from a broken up home with its defined kitchen, dining room, informal living room and home bar, we reinvented the first floor into a flexible living space. This Transitional kitchen has an open-plan, featuring distinct zones for cooking, eating and lounging, an Island unit that penetrates into the dinning and bar zone creating a subtle boundary in the entire room. The principles of maximizing light and space combined with creating a generous amount of storage space and a balance of transparent, opaque and reflective materials guided the design of the new space. Granite countertops meeting marble tile backsplash wrapping around picture windows helped to bounce lights around the room. The off white cabinets with Burnt Sienna glazing, gave a warm contrast throughout the entire room, the show stopping glass large pendant lights over the island captured modern essence. Photography by Cindi with an eye

The owners of this San Francisco three-story hillside residence hoped for a brighter outlook for their MCM home. The original enclosed interior staircase prevented light from penetrating the adjacent rooms. A redesigned open steel staircase with floating treads now allows light from above to filter down through all levels. The primary bedroom located at the rear facing a hillside was expanded with large sliding doors that open out to a new deck, creating a relaxing private retreat for the parents while flooding the bedroom with natural light. San Francisco required the original look of the front facade to be maintained for historical purposes, and the back of the expanded primary closet cabinetry that now faces outward was painted black in order to maintain the appearance of the original window design. The family of four now enjoys much brighter days and a more open feel in their reconfigured house, including a new family room on the lower level, which they can enjoy together. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Chuang-Ming Liu, Ethan Taylor, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Contractor: A.L. Martin Construction Inc. Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers Photography: ©2017 Scott Chernis Completion Year: 2017

The owners of this San Francisco three-story hillside residence hoped for a brighter outlook for their MCM home. The original enclosed interior staircase prevented light from penetrating the adjacent rooms. A redesigned open steel staircase with floating treads now allows light from above to filter down through all levels. The primary bedroom located at the rear facing a hillside was expanded with large sliding doors that open out to a new deck, creating a relaxing private retreat for the parents while flooding the bedroom with natural light. San Francisco required the original look of the front facade to be maintained for historical purposes, and the back of the expanded primary closet cabinetry that now faces outward was painted black in order to maintain the appearance of the original window design. The family of four now enjoys much brighter days and a more open feel in their reconfigured house, including a new family room on the lower level, which they can enjoy together. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Chuang-Ming Liu, Ethan Taylor, and Yegvenia Torres-Zavala Contractor: A.L. Martin Construction Inc. Structural Engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers Photography: ©2017 Scott Chernis Completion Year: 2017