The site, just off Long Island Sound, is located atop one of several north / south geological ridges with existing stone retaining walls and old foundations from structures long ago removed. The house is situated parallel to and atop the ridge with a long axial approach extending the cinemagraphic arrival sequence. The house itself is a series of volumetric shifts reinforcing the connection of discrete overlapping interior to exterior spaces while large reflective, translucent and transparent surfaces de-materialize static boundaries. Project Manager / Architect at Maryann Thompson Architects Landscape: Reed Hildebrand Photography: Chuck Choi

This Eichler home was strategically expanded and reconfigured to strengthen the connection between interior and exterior spaces while also adding a more spacious primary suite, formalized entry space, and an expanded bedroom and hallway bathroom. The entry sequence is now defined by custom storage, a large glass wall at the light-filled atrium, and a mid-century-inspired geometric screen. The sense of connection between indoor and outdoor spaces is heightened by a large, multi-panel sliding door system spanning the full width of the main living spaces. The outdated kitchen was relocated adjacent to the new door system, flowing into a spacious great room overlooking new landscaping. Indoor/outdoor floor tile extends the living spaces out onto patios at the atrium and rear yard to further fade the boundary between this Eichler’s interior and exterior. Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Ethan Taylor, and Fernanda Bernardes Structural engineer: BASE Design Interior Designer: Lucile Glessner Landscape Designer: Bonnie Brock Landscape Design General Contrator: Starburst Construction Photography: © 2022 by Mariko Reed Completion year: 2021

This residence is situated on a flat site with views north and west to the mountain range. The opposing roof forms open the primary living spaces on the ground floor to these views, while the upper floor captures the sun and view to the south. The integrity of these two forms are emphasized by a linear skylight at their meeting point. The sequence of entry to the house begins at the south of the property adjacent to a vast conservation easement, and is fortified by a wall that defines a path of movement and connects the interior spaces to the outdoors. The addition of the garage outbuilding creates an arrival courtyard. A.I.A Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Merit 2014 Project Year: 2008

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

Ever heard some say “It has good bones?” Well, no one had ever said that about this house; it needed a major overhaul - “A TOTAL GUT.” It’s saving grace was: 1. It’s enthusiastic new homeowners. 2. The expansive and gorgeous views of Okanagan Lake. 
 We were asked to assist our clients with big-picture-planning for their newest investment property. Upon initial walk through of the home, it was immediately evident there were many previous ‘bandaid-type’ updates that it had gone through over the years. This house was in prime need of an overhaul inside and out: - multiple dropped Ceilings with layers of Plumbing add ons - wall to wall Carpet -a tired Bathtub directly inside the Master Bedroom - a “dreaded” Corner Kitchen Sink -multiple add ons involving three confusing front entry doors Discovering what was previously done and the quandary of why these things were done is always so interesting to discover and can be very overwhelming for clients. A big part of what we love most about Design is helping to propose new ideas to revitalize and improve all that has come before. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of our work. Our Renovation Strategy began in Layout Design for optimizing Interior & Exterior flow, moving into Concept & Style Planning, Millwork and Finish Selections. We then created an ordered implementation sequence which would allow the homeowners to live on one floor while the other was being renovated Later they would move to the finished floor and renovate the remaining areas. Once complete, the home quickly sold and we look forwards to assisting these happy investors on their next endeavour.

The context of this home is set atop a hillside, making for a tricky entry sequence. The driveway meanders up and around the house to the rear of the property. Though this is the back of the property, it is indeed the main entry as well. Given that the other side of the home sits 15' above ground elevation, our client's desire was to design a space off the backside of the home that doesn't inhibit the entry for new visitors, but allows for a seamless outdoor living space off their kitchen/ living room. We achieved this balance by retaining a front walkway to the main entry using large 24" x 36" bluestone slabs in a running band through the new patio space. Visually the clean lines of this walkway lead visitors to the front entrance while also subtly defining the two seating areas of the new patio terrace. The reclaimed granite piers, Saratoga Granite Seating walls, and plantings provide further definition which truly enhance the sense of space! Needless to say, our clients were thrilled with the finished product!

Inspiration for a transitional home design remodel in Minneapolis

This home is in Noe Valley, a highly desirable and growing neighborhood of San Francisco. As young highly-educated families move into the area, we are remodeling and adding on to the aging homes found there. This project remodeled the entire existing two story house and added a third level, capturing the incredible views toward downtown. The design features integral color stucco, zinc roofing, an International Orange staircase, eco-teak cabinets and concrete counters. A flowing sequence of spaces were choreographed from the entry through to the family room.

A bold modern front exterior defined by charred wood cladding, clean horizontal lines, and a sheltered entry sequence. The warm wood soffit contrasts beautifully with the dark exterior, while integrated lighting highlights architectural details and creates a welcoming approach. The covered carport and recessed entry reinforce both function and design clarity, setting the tone for this thoughtfully crafted Oakville custom home.

This Spanish Revival takes its place among the graceful and genteel tradition of Santa Barbara architecture. Located in a secreted area of Montecito, the house is tucked amidst a wooded glen along a riparian creek bed. Carefully sited at the top of a rolling green, the building provides a strong form in the natural landscape. With its reference to historical precedent, the house is both undeniably familiar and tangibly rich. Site sensitivity and pure spatial relationships combine in new ways, showing that what’s old can be new again. An entry courtyard concealed behind a pair of wooden doors of Moorish design begins the entry sequence. The courtyard, wrapped around an existing mature oak tree, creates an outdoor room, which establishes an interplay between interior and exterior spaces, a theme that recurs throughout the house. An exercise in scale and proportion, the 5,000-square-foot residence is imbued with classic detail and richness found in the Spanish Colonial architecture characteristic of George Washington Smith and others. Interior spaces are created through pure and varied geometric volumes, and are elaborated by opened beamed ceilings, groin vaults and Moorish arches.

Master bedroom | The original home had many of the features that you would expect from the 1950's: expert craftsmanship, beautiful hardwood floors, and understated charm; but also a small secluded kitchen, small windows, and small closets. The renovated home features a master bedroom addition with windows designed to capture the views of the stunning site, a master bathroom with a lofted ceiling, walk-in shower and soaking tub, a new kitchen addition, and a 2nd floor bedroom expansion. The redesign also provided clarity to the entry sequence.

Situated on over 2-acres of pristine country land, York House was originally built by the York family of Stonington, Connecticut in the mid 1700’s and served as a tavern and inn while functioning as the homestead of Jeremiah York’s large family until the early 1900‘s. Known as the “Pumpkin Inn'' the property was reimagined for a New York City transplant family who valued original details and history all while maintaining playfulness, whimsy and balance. Interior preservation of woodwork and structure became the foundation to explore a sequence of entertaining spaces once utilized as the tavern, separate from the living spaces of the home’s original inhabitants. Already having an openness parallel to more contemporary architecture, the home lacked large amounts of natural light, which is systemic to the architecture of the period. Color, pattern, and visual connectivity was valuable in creating warmth and light in an otherwise utilitarian program. Revealing and refinishing the original flooring, ceilings and beams created architectural patterning that influenced wall textures, furniture and lighting selections.

The latest innovation, BAHIA, consists of a veneer front with an intriguing surface with a vertical groove structure. In addition to the contrast between the raised surface and the grooves themselves, the special feature of BAHIA is the combination of two apparent opposites. Within any one front, the individual grooves are set asymmetrically to each other. But, in the sequence of several fronts, an identical fanning structure emerges.

We made these custom walnut cabinets with many nice details, such as furniture-style legs, cut-out drawer pulls, and lots of sequenced, grain-matched panels. The customer wanted a mix of dark and light wood, with interesting character. We also built some walnut floating shelves to match.

Sequenced matched casework offers a seamless appearance. Existing peninsula turned into an island opening the space to the living room
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized rustic l-shaped light wood floor, beige floor and wood ceiling open concept kitchen idea in Chicago with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel countertops, brown backsplash, ceramic backsplash, colored appliances and two islands

Located just outside of Boston, this home was built from the ground up to serve a bustling working family. The home contains a work/office space for client visits and an asymmetrical floor plan that distinguishes itself from typical New England vernacular. The entry sequence creates an enfilade to the main living spaces of the house. Smaller programmatic spaces such as the indoor pool, office, mud room, and staircase are kept to the perimeter of the main living areas on the lower floor. Upstairs, the stair ends at a reading nook and crafts area for children. Project featured in The Boston Globe. Completed in 2020. Photography by Sabrina Cole Quinn.

Timeless Classic. The landscape must complement the architecture of the house, so designing this garden for our antique reproduction needed to harken back to a different time. Material choices such as antique brick, reclaimed granite, and natural-cleft bluestone were all incorporated into the composition to create a timeless beauty all within the context of a bygone setting. Directly adjacent to the driveway and guest parking, the ‘kitchen garden’ was surrounded by a custom-built cedar fence with a self-closing cannonball gate. Herbs and cutting perennials fill the space as well as a small bench for reflection or to take a break from tending to the garden. From a functional standpoint, this has become the most-used entrance to the house, with the original main door serving only as decoration. The arrival sequence is easy to understand and has the guests passing through the landscape on a well-lit path via our hand-built copper lantern atop an architectural post. Planting was purposely kept to a minimum with mostly perennials and a couple of common lilacs — all keeping within the design intent. Existing natural-cleft bluestone was repurposed with a linear approach for a dining and lounging terrace in the rear of the property. Three sides are surrounded by sun-loving plants with grass coming right up to the patio offering a seamless transition to the yard beyond. Simple, elegant, and timeless.

This outdoor living transformation brought together multiple phases of construction to create a seamless, year-round entertaining space. The project began with dry rot repairs and termite remediation, followed by framing a custom outdoor fireplace, completing the chimney, and preparing it for a beautiful stone finish. A custom soffit with skylights and detailed trim was installed to create a warm, finished ceiling that complements the home's architecture. The existing deck was removed and replaced with a newly framed deck featuring custom stairs, durable decking, and modern railing. New siding and trim were completed around the home and breezeway, tying the addition into the existing exterior for a cohesive look. The outdoor living area was further enhanced with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, including cabinetry, shelving, appliances, a kegerator, and a wine temperature control system. Electrical work included recessed lighting, heaters, fireplace power, dimmers, and a dedicated subpanel to support the space's amenities. A new fence and gate were also constructed and painted to match the homeowner's preferences, providing both privacy and a polished finish. Throughout the project, our team coordinated closely with specialty contractors, including the stone mason and paver installer, ensuring each phase was completed in the proper sequence. The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor living space that blends craftsmanship, functionality, and lasting quality—creating the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends throughout every season.

This 1967 home has been transformed. LANTERN HOUSE is located at the edge of the forest, the edge of urbanity, where the glass and metal clad entry and stair volumes glow like lanterns in the night. The sloping, trapezoidal site posed challenges, resulting in a very unique geometry with a courtyard, a bridge, and a new stair tower link old to new. A new porch and foyer create a gradual entry sequence into the existing main house. A new roof form provides vaulted ceilings in an open plan concept. The primary living spaces are connected to private outdoor spaces for entertaining and everyday living, and the main addition contains a private master retreat with secluded access from the stair tower. The connection with nature is ever present throughout the house with intentionally placed glazing framing views to the surrounding trees.