This custom residence was designed and built by Collaborated works in 2012. Inspired by Maison de Verre by Pierre Chareau. This modernist glass box is full steel construction. The exterior is brought inside so that the frame of the house is exposed. Large frosted glass garage doors create a beautiful light box. This townhouse has an open floating stair that is the centerpiece of the home. A fireplace in the living room is surrounded by windows. The industrial kitchen incorporates vintage fixtures and appliances that make it truly unique.

Example of a farmhouse dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed dining room design in Birmingham with white walls

© Will Sullivan, Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography, LLC
Example of a classic three-story brick exterior home design in Miami

Photo by Studio Zerbey
Example of a mid-sized trendy one-story house exterior design in Seattle with a shed roof

This unique and classic Victorian property, once defining of Chicago architecture was preserved through our efforts to convince the developer to preserve it's special beauty. We provided a major restoration of the property including rear and second story additions in order to increase the home's size, as well as digging in an entirely new basement to be utilized as a third story - all while preserving and renovating it's classic and elegant facade.

Transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This classic Joseph Leonard 1890’s Victorian in the Leonardville neighborhood of Alameda had all of its original siding and wood details covered with stucco on the exterior, and the interior was in bad need of repair. The owner lovingly restored the house to its original condition, doing much of the work with his own hands. Saikley Architects worked with him to make some structural changes, dig out the basement for a new garage below the living spaces, put in a modern kitchen, create a new rear porch in keeping with the original house, and consult with the owner on other improvements. The project won a Preservation Award from the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society.

Example of a transitional 3/4 white tile and subway tile white floor claw-foot bathtub design in New York with white walls and a console sink

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Joe DeMaio Photography Madison, WI
Example of a mid-sized trendy galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, red backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash and beige countertops

Inspiration for a timeless guest dark wood floor bedroom remodel in Birmingham with pink walls

Example of a tuscan backyard concrete and rectangular lap pool design in San Diego

From Mid-Century Classic to the Present An iconic design updated with comfort, function, and flow for today. A Remodel That Balances Past and Present What started as a desire to update a classic Eichler soon became an exploration of how Mid-Century Modern design can successfully evolve for today. The client, a tech professional with a passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, wanted a home that would both honor its original character and feel tailored to his daily life. A lifelong technology enthusiast, he still owns the very first Mac desktop he saved up for as a teenager working at Radio Shack, a detail that underscores his appreciation for design that melds function and form. Honoring Separation While Expanding Possibility Unlike many contemporary remodels where walls are opened up to create expansive living spaces, this project took a more restrained approach. The client valued the defined rooms of the original plan and wanted to preserve as much wall space as possible for displaying his large-format underwater photography. The emphasis was not on dramatic spatial reinvention, but on thoughtful refinements. Klopf Architecture shaped a gallery-like backdrop while also expanding the primary suite, modernizing materials and fixtures throughout the home, and improving the functionality and layout of the kitchen. The finished home feels at once timeless and renewed, an Eichler that continues to inspire while fully supporting the lifestyle of its present-day owner. A major turning point came mid-design. The original project brief had not included an addition, but as the reconfiguration of the primary bedroom and bath unfolded, it became clear that an expansion was the best approach to achieve the client’s vision of a more spacious suite. Fortunately, the adjustment came at a stage when revisions were still manageable and was integrated seamlessly, showing how thoughtful course corrections can strengthen a project rather than hinder it. Navigating Challenges With Precision The design development included multiple conceptual rounds, balancing preservation with subtle expansion. During construction, an existing post previously thought to be load-bearing turned out not to be. The structural engineer was able to pivot quickly, and both the post and the cross beam that had been intended to replace it could be omitted, allowing the original rhythm of the Eichler beam bays to be preserved. Sustainability was not just a checklist item, but a way to align the home with the client’s values of simplicity, efficiency, and long-term functionality. R-38 roof insulation reduced energy usage, solar panels with battery storage provided independence and resilience, and passive comfort strategies eliminated the need forenergy-intensive air conditioning. An electric vehicle charger and an on-demand hot water recirculation system (with call buttons as opposed to having constant circulation) add to the home’s long-term efficiency factors. Together, these moves created a home that is quieter, more comfortable, and better equipped for the future, qualities that supported the client’s pragmatic approach to design and living lightly. Details That Respect the Eichler DNA The remodel carries forward the Eichler’s original spirit while introducing new layers of modern livability. Originally, the house was approached along a deep, narrow walk, with the garage on one side and the house on the other, leaving the front door tucked far back within this chasm-like space. By pulling the entry forward, the design reshaped the arrival experience, creating a clearer threshold and a natural drop-off zone for bags, shoes, and keys. This shift also made room for a custom bench at the entry that extends seamlessly through the glass sidelight. The bench and drop-off zone now work together as a single, integrated sequence that supports everyday living while offering a tactile reminder of Eichler’s philosophy of connectedness. At the client’s request, Klopf reintroduced a classic Eichler gesture by extending the exterior siding into the entry and living room. The detail reinforces a sense of indoor/outdoor continuity while providing a subtle architectural surface that allows the client’s photography to take visual precedence. The signature concrete masonry wall at the front was reconstructed using blocks sourced to match the originals, now strengthened with rebar for seismic resilience while maintaining a private outdoor courtyard, visually extending the kitchen outward. A decorative trellis element, a detail borrowed from a neighboring Eichler, restores a familiar mid-century modern architectural motif. At the courtyard entry door, a custom etched glass sidelight with an ocean-themed design featuring kelp and jellyfish serves as a subtle homage to the client’s passion for deep-sea diving. Landscaping became an integral part of the overall transformation. The homeowner engaged landscape architect Randi Johnsen of Third Nature Studio to shape a series of calm, inviting outdoor rooms that read as a natural extension of the interiors. While technically outside of the core construction scope, the landscape design proved central to achieving a sense of completeness and connectedness across the property. Such whole-property considerations often emerge as design ideas take shape, underscoring the importance of flexibility in planning and budgeting, as well as close collaboration among the design team starting early in the process. The Value of Evolving Scope As with many custom residential projects, the scope evolved during the design process. What began as a targeted remodel grew to include a new/expanded primary suite, a rebuilt CMU patio wall for strength and longevity, and a solar panel array and battery storage for energy resilience and carbon-reduction. Each thoughtful decision represented a conscious investment in the home’s performance and character, rather than a cost overrun. The result was a project delivered on schedule, tailored precisely to the client’s lifestyle, and positioned to add long-term value both functionally and aesthetically. By embracing scope evolution as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and relying on good design paired with transparent communication, this remodel demonstrates how Eichler homes can be adapted for contemporary living without erasing their DNA. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, AIA, and Klara Kevane, Elise Webb and Nicholas LaNasa. Contractor: Golden Cove Construction Landscape Design: Third Nature Studio Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao Design Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2024 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

Example of a small classic dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Atlanta with white walls and no fireplace

Maxine Schnitzer Photography
Bedroom - traditional carpeted bedroom idea in DC Metro with multicolored walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized 1960s light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Austin with white cabinets, concrete countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash and an island

Cottage freestanding desk medium tone wood floor and brown floor home office photo in Minneapolis with gray walls

Cottage medium tone wood floor and gray floor great room photo in Miami with white walls

Large transitional courtyard patio photo in DC Metro with decking and no cover