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

Amazing party pool that this modern farmhouse wraps itself around. Complete with sun deck, fire features, spa and astroturf deck around pool. Photo by Jeff Herr Photogrpahy

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

Photo: Kristin Laing © 2018 Houzz
Trendy pool photo in Austin

We converted an underused back yard into a modern outdoor living space. Functions include a cedar soaking tub, outdoor shower, fire pit, and dining area. The decking is ipe hardwood, the fence is stained cedar, and cast concrete with gravel adds texture at the fire pit. Photos copyright Laurie Black Photography.

Hydropool Swim Spas are the latest trend in the pool and spa industry. Hydropool has the smoothest and most powerful adjustable current stream of any swim spa on the market. You can say goodbye to the weekly maintenance that a regular pool requires, because Hyrdropool swim spas are self-cleaning. Whether you are a serious swimmer looking to train in the comfort of your backyard or the casual swimmer who wants to enjoy the relaxation of a pool, Hydropool is the ultimate swim spa, hot tub, and aquatic gym all-in-one.

Mountain style rectangular hot tub photo in San Diego

Phillip Ennis
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern backyard rectangular pool house remodel in New York

Pool house - large traditional backyard tile and rectangular lap pool house idea in New York

Elegant backyard rectangular lap pool house photo in DC Metro

Pool house - large mediterranean backyard brick and rectangular lap pool house idea in San Diego

Pool - traditional pool idea in New York

Hot tub - mediterranean stone and kidney-shaped hot tub idea in Los Angeles

Spray-Coat Resurfacing
Example of a mid-sized classic backyard stamped concrete and custom-shaped pool design in St Louis

This tranquil and relaxing pool and spa in Fort Lauderdale is the perfect backyard retreat! With deck jets, wood deck area and pergola area for lounging, it's the luxurious elegance you have been waiting for!

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary indoor rectangular pool fountain remodel in Cleveland with decking

The infinity swimming pool is the centerpiece of this dramatic yard. The upper and lower travertine patios give depth to the entertaining space. The retaining walls double as a garden bed to bring color into the yard. The fire bowls on either side of the pool light add to the ambiance for evening entertaining.

Rather than a home addition, this customer thought outside the box - a satellite lounge area next to the backyard pool is a great space to hang out and relax after a dip. This Studio Shed is coordinated with the exterior space through color matching and orientation.

Photo: Patrick O'Malley
Mid-sized elegant backyard stone and kidney-shaped pool house photo in Boston