Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Welcome to the realm of exceptional quality and style, where our finest vinyl PVC doors are synonymous to durability and elegance. We prominently showcase doors, striking a perfect balance between uncompromising quality and aesthetic allure. When Quality Meets Design Our collection of vinyl doors unveils a broad spectrum of designs, catering to the evolving tastes of our clientele worldwide. Each piece melds form and function harmoniously, seamlessly integrating into your space to set a precedent for sophisticated living. The main highlight of our collection is undoubtedly its Metal-Plastic material, which ensures remarkable resilience and longevity. Immerse Yourself in the Darkness Infuse a pinch of intense serenity into your indoor ambience with our Matte Black PVC doors. The colour palette is meticulously chosen to render an impactful, visually captivating contrast that can transform each entryway into a remarkable art piece. Matched with frosted glass, they showcase a touch of modern elegance while maintaining privacy. Like a dew-kissed morning in a tranquil forest, these doors illuminate an air of subtle sophistication and understated beauty. Exceptionally sized for your unique needs The dimensions of our doors transcend the ordinary standards. Measuring an updated W36" x H94", these large format doors are designed to make an imposing statement. We recommend an opening size of 38 1/2" x 96 1/2" for a perfect fitting. They respect not only the architectural symmetry but also your desire for a spacious living environment. The Grace of a Right-Hand Swing Door The functionality of our PVC doors is embodied in its right-hand swing direction. Single panel configuration is employed in this swing type, ensuring easy operation and maintenance. The door system type is designed in such a way that it provides an effortless entrance or exit, transcending the realms of mere utility to an enhanced user experience. An investment to cherish For those on a quest to buy exterior doors in New York, our vinyl PVC doors assure not just satisfactory purchase but an investment to cherish for the ages. Each structure stands as a testament to our impeccable craftsmanship and commitment to delivering only the best to our clients. Pioneers in door crafting As a reputed door shop in New York, our pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. It’s not just about crafting doors; it's about creating lasting impressions. Choose our Vinyl PVC doors and experience the sophistication of owning a timeless masterpiece right in the heart of your home. To maintain the warranty, a canopy is required over the door.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Welcome to the realm of exceptional quality and style, where our finest vinyl PVC doors are synonymous to durability and elegance. We prominently showcase doors, striking a perfect balance between uncompromising quality and aesthetic allure. When Quality Meets Design Our collection of vinyl doors unveils a broad spectrum of designs, catering to the evolving tastes of our clientele worldwide. Each piece melds form and function harmoniously, seamlessly integrating into your space to set a precedent for sophisticated living. The main highlight of our collection is undoubtedly its Metal-Plastic material, which ensures remarkable resilience and longevity. Immerse Yourself in the Darkness Infuse a pinch of intense serenity into your indoor ambience with our Matte Black PVC doors. The colour palette is meticulously chosen to render an impactful, visually captivating contrast that can transform each entryway into a remarkable art piece. Matched with frosted glass, they showcase a touch of modern elegance while maintaining privacy. Like a dew-kissed morning in a tranquil forest, these doors illuminate an air of subtle sophistication and understated beauty. Exceptionally sized for your unique needs The dimensions of our doors transcend the ordinary standards. Measuring an updated W36" x H94", these large format doors are designed to make an imposing statement. We recommend an opening size of 38 1/2" x 96 1/2" for a perfect fitting. They respect not only the architectural symmetry but also your desire for a spacious living environment. The Grace of a Right-Hand Swing Door The functionality of our PVC doors is embodied in its right-hand swing direction. Single panel configuration is employed in this swing type, ensuring easy operation and maintenance. The door system type is designed in such a way that it provides an effortless entrance or exit, transcending the realms of mere utility to an enhanced user experience. An investment to cherish For those on a quest to buy exterior doors in New York, our vinyl PVC doors assure not just satisfactory purchase but an investment to cherish for the ages. Each structure stands as a testament to our impeccable craftsmanship and commitment to delivering only the best to our clients. Pioneers in door crafting As a reputed door shop in New York, our pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. It’s not just about crafting doors; it's about creating lasting impressions. Choose our Vinyl PVC doors and experience the sophistication of owning a timeless masterpiece right in the heart of your home. To maintain the warranty, a canopy is required over the door.

Nancy Knickerbocker of Reico Kitchen and Bath in Southern Pines, NC designed a primary bathroom featuring Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry’s Gannon door style in Evercore with a Moonshine finish. Selections for bathroom include Silestone Quartz in a Pearl Jasmine finish vanity countertops along with fixtures and accessories from Kohler and Moen. The shower features 12x24 and 2x2 Bakersfield Pumice floor tile, shower floor tile and 10x12 Bianco shower wall tile. The client emphasized Nancy's pivotal role in the remodel's success. "She was respectful of our budget, our needs (more handicap-friendly and storage space, fewer doors) and was knowledgeable about what was and wasn’t doable in our situation. Her excellent design suggestions took into consideration our choices for cabinets, fixtures, countertops, flooring and etc. She was interested and always available to help throughout the entire project," said the client. Nancy highlighted the bathroom's outdated features from the era of the garden tub. "The homeowner wanted to add storage, enlarge the shower and overall update the bathroom. By removing the tub, we added a cabinet with two roll-out shelves, a trash cabinet, and laundry hamper cabinet. Kohler mirrored medicine cabinets added personal storage above the sinks. To allow easier access to the bathroom, the entry door was widened. As a result, the vanity needed to be reduced to 18” deep." "The Kohler Veticyl 13” square sink was the perfect choice for the limited space! The shower insert was replaced with a tile shower, a glass panel and large door. We also removed the water closet door and reduced the height of the wall. There is still privacy and allows for easier access to the area. My favorite part of the project is the area where the tub was once located. The cabinetry and the arched window are lovely!” said Nancy. Photo courtesy of ShowSpaces Photography.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

This LEED Platinum certified house reflects the homeowner's desire for an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment, within a traditional neighborhood. INFILL SITE. The family, who moved from another area of Wellesley, sought out this property to be within walking distance of the high school and downtown area. An existing structure on the tight lot was removed to make way for the new home. 84% of the construction waste, from both the previous structure and the new home, was diverted from a landfill. ZED designed to preserve the existing mature trees on the perimeter of the property to minimize site impacts, and to maintain the character of the neighborhood as well as privacy on the site. EXTERIOR EXPRESSION. The street facade of the home relates to the local New England vernacular. The rear uses contemporary language, a nod to the family’s Californian roots, to incorporate a roof deck, solar panels, outdoor living space, and the backyard swimming pool. ZED’s careful planning avoided to the need to face the garage doors towards the street, a common syndrome of a narrow lot. THOUGHTFUL SPACE. Homes with dual entries can often result in duplicate and unused spaces. In this home, the everyday and formal entry areas are one and the same; the front and garage doors share the entry program of coat closets, mudroom storage with bench for removing your shoes, and a laundry room with generous closets for the children's sporting equipment. The entry area leads directly to the living space, encompassing the kitchen, dining and sitting area areas in an L-shaped open plan arrangement. The kitchen is placed at the south-west corner of the space to allow for a strong connection to the dining, sitting and outdoor living spaces. A fire pit on the deck satisfies the family’s desire for an open flame while a sealed gas fireplace is used indoors - ZED’s preference after omitting gas burning appliances completely from an airtight home. A small study, with a window seat, is conveniently located just off of the living space. A first floor guest bedroom includes an accessible bathroom for aging visitors and can be used as a master suite to accommodate aging in place. HEALTHY LIVING. The client requested a home that was easy to clean and would provide a respite from seasonal allergies and common contaminants that are found in many indoor spaces. ZED selected easy to clean solid surface flooring throughout, provided ample space for cleaning supplies on each floor, and designed a mechanical system with ventilation that provides a constant supply of fresh outdoor air. ZED selected durable materials, finishes, cabinetry, and casework with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no added urea formaldehyde. YEAR-ROUND COMFORT. The home is super insulated and air-tight, paired with high performance triple-paned windows, to ensure it is draft-free throughout the winter (even when in front of the large windows and doors). ZED designed a right-sized heating and cooling system to pair with the thermally improved building enclosure to ensure year-round comfort. The glazing on the home maximizes passive solar gains, and facilitates cross ventilation and daylighting. ENERGY EFFICIENT. As one of the most energy efficient houses built to date in Wellesley, the home highlights a practical solution for Massachusetts. First, the building enclosure reduces the largest energy requirement for typical houses (heating). Super-insulation, exceptional air sealing, a thermally broken wall assembly, triple pane windows, and passive solar gain combine for a sizable heating load reduction. Second, within the house only efficient systems consume energy. These include an air source heat pump for heating & cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation, and high efficiency appliances. Lastly, photovoltaics provide renewable energy help offset energy consumption. The result is an 89% reduction in energy use compared to a similar brand new home built to code requirements. RESILIENT. The home will fare well in extreme weather events. During a winter power outage, heat loss will be very slow due to the super-insulated and airtight envelope– taking multiple days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. An engineered drainage system, paired with careful the detailing of the foundation, will help to keep the finished basement dry. A generator will provide full operation of the all-electric house during a power outage. OVERALL. The home is a reflection of the family goals and an expression of their values, beautifully enabling health, comfort, safety, resilience, and utility, all while respecting the planet. ZED - Architect & Mechanical Designer Bevilacqua Builders Inc - Contractor Creative Land & Water Engineering - Civil Engineering Barbara Peterson Landscape - Landscape Design Nest & Company - Interior Furnishings Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This bedroom and full bathroom are part of an adventuresome project my wife and I embarked upon to create a complete apartment in the basement of our townhouse. We designed a floor plan that creatively and efficiently used all of the 385-square-foot-space, without sacrificing beauty, comfort or function – and all without breaking the bank! To maximize our budget, we did the work ourselves and added everything from thrift store finds to DIY wall art to bring it all together. A partial double closet bar adds a little extra space while still leaving room for longer hanging clothes.

Sebastian and Tanja DiGrande's quest for natural light and open, modern design led them to Klopf Architecture in San Francisco. Working hand-in-hand with homeowner/designer Tanja DiGrande, Klopf collaborated on a modern addition to the rear of a traditional-style home. The idea was to depart from the original style completely to draw a distinction between the original house and any later additions, as well as observe a very minimal, clean, gallery-like modern style against which changing daylight, art, furniture, and of course the people provide the color and motion. With its dark gray stuccoed walls, dark steel railing, and floor-to-ceiling windows, the exterior of the addition is at the same time an open, modern box as well as a receding volume that acts almost as a backdrop for the house, receding visually out of respect for the original home. From the interior, windows bring in nature and views from all around the lush property. They also allow views of the original house. Up on the roof deck the views magnify. The owners use a boom and crank to bring up food and drinks when entertaining! Inside, the simple clean-lined spaces showcase the couple’s minimal, modern taste. The open bathroom epitomizes the clean, minimal style of the addition. On the exterior, steel elements bring a more industrial modern feeling to the addition from the rear. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Geoff Campen, and Angela Todorova Co-Designer: Tanja DiGrande Contractor: Jose Ramirez & J-C General Contractors Inc. Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed Location: Orinda, CA Year completed: 2014

Jane Benson
Example of a large mountain style wooden l-shaped staircase design with wooden risers

Example of a mid-sized mountain style 3/4 bathroom design in Manchester with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls and a pedestal sink

After returning from a winter trip to discover his house had been flooded by a burst second-floor pipe, this homeowner was ready to address the renovations and additions that he had been pondering for about a decade. It was important to him to respect the original character of the c. +/- 1910 two-bedroom small home that had been in his family for years, while re-imagining the kitchen and flow. In response, KHS proposed a one-story addition, recalling an enclosed porch, which springs from the front roof line and then wraps the house to the north. An informal front dining space, complete with built-in banquette, occupies the east end of the addition behind large double-hung windows sized to match those on the original house, and a new kitchen occupies the west end of the addition behind smaller casement windows at counter height. New French doors to the rear allow the owner greater access to an outdoor room edged by the house to the east, the existing one-car garage to the south, and a rear rock wall to the west. Much of the lot to the north was left open for the owner’s annual summer volley ball party. The first-floor was then reconfigured, capturing additional interior space from a recessed porch on the rear, to create a rear mudroom entrance hall, full bath, and den, which could someday function as a third bedroom if needed. Upstairs, a rear shed dormer was extended to the north and east so that head room could be increased, rendering more of the owner’s office/second bedroom usable. Windows and doors were relocated as necessary to better serve the new plan and to capture more daylight. Having expanded from its original 1100 square feet to approximately 1700 square feet, it’s still a small, sweet house – only freshly updated, and with a hint of porchiness. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022