This newly constructed home was in need of an outdoor living space and streetscape in a matching contemporary Northwest style. Our studio composed a landscape with an improved entry sequence, balancing the need for personal privacy alongside a distinctive public face. A steel framed gabion basket wall provides a crisp edge and doubles as retaining for the private patio behind the horizontal board fence. The courtyard oasis with a new deck is enclosed by warm wooden fencing set on top of the contrasting raw texture of a gabion retaining wall that acts as a backdrop to bold streetscape plantings.

The covered entry creates a welcoming arrival sequence, framed by clean architectural lines, natural stone, and warm wood accents. Drought-tolerant landscaping complements the modern design while blending seamlessly with the surrounding hillside.

Bookmatched Luxury Kitchen Countertop with Full Height Backsplash – Dekton Laurent 2 cm Vein Match Installation | Absolute GM LLC This luxury kitchen countertop installation features Dekton Laurent 2 cm ultra-compact surface with full height backsplash, executed with vein-matched alignment for continuous visual flow and architectural consistency. The natural movement of Dekton Laurent’s dark background and gold veining is carefully oriented and sequenced during fabrication to maintain directional continuity across the countertop surface and vertical backsplash transition. This creates a unified bookmatched appearance where the veining flows seamlessly from horizontal to vertical planes. Precision digital templating and CNC fabrication were used to control slab layout, seam placement, and edge detailing, ensuring tight tolerances and accurate alignment throughout the installation. Special attention was given to the backsplash junction to maintain uninterrupted pattern flow and eliminate visual breaks. Dekton Laurent 2 cm was selected for its durability, stain resistance, and high-end aesthetic performance, making it suitable for modern luxury kitchen environments requiring both strength and refined design execution. Absolute GM LLC provides professional countertop fabrication and installation services across Washington State, specializing in Dekton, porcelain, quartzite, and natural stone systems.

Saturday, March 28, 1:00 to 2:30pm Register Online: https://tclf.org/event/garden-dialogues-florida-gulf-coast-2015 Aquadisia by David Young of DWY Landscape Architects, with David Lowe, Interior Designer, David K. Lowe Interior Design Situated on a barrier island overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this landscape is a dazzling mix of geometric form, carefully manicured lawns and the shaggy manes of numerous bamboo trees. The landscape architects collaborated closely with the owner to create a garden that takes full advantage of the site’s location, views and climate. The site’s sequence of designed spaces carefully balances large but simple geometric shapes with a well calibrated plant palette. Entry to the house is gained via a concrete walkway that passes over a water garden and through a glass cube flanked by marble Foo Dogs. The water garden continues to a glass-enclosed lower-level where a waterwall provides the perfect backdrop for a beachside spa and fire pit. The experience of this exquisite landscape is not limited to the ground; a wooden terrace allows full view of the Gulf and a new spiral glass staircase leads to a crow’s nest overlooking the property. photo by SRQ360 Photography

Bookmatched Luxury Kitchen Island – Dekton Laurent & Dekton Rem 2 cm Vein Match Installation | Absolute GM LLC This custom kitchen island showcases advanced vein-matching fabrication using Dekton Laurent and Dekton Rem in 2 cm ultra-compact surface. The design emphasizes continuous visual flow, where the natural movement of the veining is carefully aligned across slab transitions to create a bookmatched architectural effect. Dekton Laurent provides a deep, dramatic base with bold gold veining, while Dekton Rem introduces a lighter, refined marble-inspired tone. When positioned with precision alignment, the materials form a controlled visual composition that enhances depth, contrast, and symmetry within the kitchen space. The fabrication process included digital templating, slab sequencing, and CNC precision cutting to ensure accurate vein alignment across seams, corners, and waterfall edges. Special attention was given to directional flow control so that the natural pattern reads as a continuous surface rather than separate pieces. Installation was executed with tight tolerance control to maintain alignment integrity, producing a seamless, high-end finish suitable for luxury residential interiors. Absolute GM LLC specializes in precision countertop fabrication and installation across Washington State, working with Dekton, porcelain, quartzite, and natural stone materials.

A linear circulation spine designed to reinforce the home’s indoor–outdoor architecture. Vertical wood paneling and board-formed concrete define the passage while full-height glazing introduces daylight and visual connection to the landscape. Concealed doors and integrated millwork maintain a calm, uninterrupted rhythm as the entry sequence transitions toward the primary living spaces.

The indoor outdoor shower sequence a freestanding stainless rain head and hand shower mounted against a coursed ledgestone wall on the open air deck, finished with teak decking underfoot.

This house was a very small mid-century bungalow with previous additions that resulted in a large but chaotic layout. The owners wanted to convert the house to a super-efficient, and charming Craftsman-style, 6 bedroom home for their large family and work at home. We achieved the space needs by moving a few walls for a more efficient, organized layout, setting up spaces for overlapping uses, and making a small upstairs addition. Every bit of square footage was optimized to meet the goals of the project without making the house huge or adding unnecessary cost. Much thought was given to the entry sequence near the front door. A large flow-through mudroom with storage for each family member, and adjacent laundry, make it easy for children to be taught to keep their things organized and to contribute to household chores. A mail station and central home admin area at the mudroom help keep clutter down at other areas and minimize home management tasks. A garage door near the kitchen gives quick access to bulk items. The existing house had too much view to the street from the living room through large corner windows, and too little entry transition, to the extent that the family did not feel comfortable using the living room much without shades drawn. We raised the window sills and brought the new windows in from the corner of the house, allowing plenty of light while protecting privacy and a sense of enclosure in the living room. We enlarged the front porch to create a more graceful transition from the public to private space. We located the front door so that the circulation from entry into the house would allow for furnishing the living room with a sitting circle that is not intruded upon by people walking through the room. Sight lines through the living spaces were an important consideration in the design. The owners wanted discreet spaces for living room, kitchen, dining and family room, but also wanted the living spaces to feel connected and to be able to easily watch their children. Being able to see the children playing in the yard while getting things done inside the house was also important. While largely working with the existing structure, we opened walls and rearranged the use of spaces to make a series of connected living spaces with long views through them. The character of the remodeled house is a contemporary Craftsman with classic materials and cool, consistent colors. A few arches echo through the house to frame spaces and soften the feeling of the rooms. Photography: Kurt Manley https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/bungalow-expansion/

The owners of this stately 1903 Victorian home worked closely with Colleen Knowles Interior Design and Prestige Residential Construction to elevate each of the home’s four bathrooms. The master bathroom echoes the curve of the large bow window, with the tub positioned in the window’s arch and surrounded by tree top vistas. The laser cut mosaic shower wall is a beautiful focal point that showcases a successful merging of style and craftsmanship. The dignified furniture-like walnut double vanity features white marble countertops, strategic storage, and elegant mirror-mounted sconce lighting. Period-correct details were carried throughout the bathrooms on all three floors of the home. The jewelbox nature of the powder bath includes Brunschwig & Fils wallcovering, Phylrich Maison faucets, and a unique Calacatta Tucci polished counter and with metal console frame. The second floor guest bath includes additional period detailing, classic materials, and a soft color palate. Special Construction Note: This project required a particularly high level of care to protect the home during construction. The new bathrooms spanned three floors and all were connected by a narrow, millwork-wrapped staircase. Prestige also managed a thoughtful sequencing to allow homeowner occupancy with at least one functional bath at all times.

Although expensive Granite makes the most beautiful and practical stone worktop you can install in your kitchen. It gives real wow factor to a room and this kitchen in Folkestone was no different. Normally granite needs little maintenance however Folkestone has very hard water (often referred to as limescale) containing high levels of calcium and over time the calcium in the water gets deposited on nearby surfaces. According to the Affinity Water website the water in Folkestone contains 287.5 mg of calcium per litre which is classed as hard. The owner of the property contacted us explaining that due to this problem the build-up of calcium deposits had overtaken her sink and countertop to a degree that she couldn`t deal with it through normal cleaning and a restoration was required. There are several household products on the market that can remove limescale however you need to be very careful when using these on natural stone as they use acids to break down the calcium and this can etch stone making the problem worse (always read the label). I went and had a look at the problem and gave her a quote for resolving the problem, which she was happy to accept. Before starting the renovation, I protected the floor with dust sheets and the walls with a blue film that is easy to remove. Then to tackle the limescale I carefully went over each part of the Granite counter using a set of six-inch Tile Doctor Burnishing pads applying them in sequence from coarse to extra fine. To give extra cleaning power the coarser pads were applied with Tile Doctor Oxy-Gel which is an alkaline cleaning gel. The pads were fitted to a hand buffer and the soil generated by the abrasive pads was rinsed off between pads with water. For the finer detail such as the groves in the granite draining board, I used diamond encrusted handheld burnishing blocks of various grits. With the combination of diamond tooling and lots of elbow grease the job took around five hours to complete and the granite now has the polished look it deserves. The granite worksurface does not require an actual sealer to be applied. However, maintenance is the key to keeping the stone in great condition so for aftercare I left the owner with a bottle of Tile Doctor Stone Patina Spray. This product is designed for cleaning stone worktops and contains a special ingredient that maintains the lustre. This should ensure the Limescale becomes manageable and can be cleaned more easily. I made a striking difference to the appearance of the Granite Worktop and the owner was over the moon with the result. Michael Conlon South Kent Tile Doctor

The Pool Box sites a small secondary residence and pool alongside an existing residence, set in a rolling Hill Country community. The project includes design for the structure, pool, and landscape - combined into a sequence of spaces of soft native planting, painted Texas daylight, and timeless materials. A careful entry carries one from a quiet landscape, stepping down into an entertainment room. Large glass doors open into a sculptural pool.

Whit Preston
Minimalist home design photo in Austin

This new home in Lincoln Park is Middlefork Development’s fourth completed home. The front courtyard is designed to be a viewing garden for the front entry sequence and also for the lower level guest bedroom. There are two levels of outdoor living spaces that flow from the rear living room, a dining terrace and garage roof living room garden complete with an outdoor fireplace. Martin Konopacki

Set in a quiet neighborhood and framed by mature trees, this residence presented a unique opportunity: to thoughtfully evolve a custom mid-century modern home into a space that supports the everyday rhythms of a growing family. With a deep respect for the home’s original architecture, Klopf Architecture reimagined the house to better meet the needs of its owners—introducing functional improvements while preserving the spirit and character of its mid-century roots. The clients approached Klopf Architecture with a clear vision: refresh their home while seamlessly integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence; connecting the detached garage to the main house with a practical yet architecturally intentional intervention; adding functional spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room; expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet; and creating a more engaging outdoor space that capitalized on the site’s impressive views, featuring a fire pit and outdoor kitchen. As a couple with distinct yet complementary perspectives—one focused on modern functionality and technology, and the other dedicated to preserving the home’s architectural integrity—their collaboration with Klopf Architecture resulted in a solution that harmonized both ideals. Their shared commitment to improving the livability of their home led to a design dialogue rooted in balance. This dynamic partnership shaped the direction of the renovation, ensuring that every decision honored the spirit of the original home while aligning with the practical needs of their growing family. Designing within the constraints of the sloped site posed one of the project’s central challenges. The detached garage sat at a higher elevation than the main house, requiring a solution that ensured architectural and geometric compatibility between the two structures. Rather than create a purely utilitarian link, Klopf Architecture introduced an intentional connection that contributes to the overall architectural language. A notable pinch point in the plan—where differing geometries converged—was treated as a hinge point, turning a potentially awkward juncture into an architectural feature. This area now functions as both a transition and a moment of design interest that unifies the overall plan. The design also addressed the underutilized outdoor area, which was located in a shadowed portion of the site with geometrical limitations. A new connection to the rear deck was created in this same area, making the outdoor space more useful and inviting. Klopf Architecture introduced carefully positioned openings and spatial improvements that forged a strong visual and functional connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor area now reads as a deliberate extension of the home, embracing natural light and emphasizing the dramatic views. Working through multiple design iterations, Klopf Architecture crafted a solution that preserved the architectural language of the original home while supporting the functional needs of modern life. The garage-to-house connection became more than a passage—it evolved into an architectural moment of transition. A new mudroom and laundry space enhanced convenience without compromising the clean lines of the design. The primary suite was expanded to create a private, serene retreat. The reimagined backyard, complete with fire pit and kitchen, now plays a vital role in the family’s daily routine and social life. Outcomes and Lasting Impact The result is a home that balances heritage with contemporary design, technical precision with design sensibility. The redesign not only met the clients’ initial goals but also exceeded expectations in its ability to seamlessly blend past and present, function and beauty, making the outdoor kitchen a favorite gathering place. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation has significantly improved daily life for the family. The newly integrated garage connection has streamlined routines, providing a seamless transition between arriving home, storing belongings, and entering the main living spaces. The expanded primary suite offers a retreat-like atmosphere, creating a private space to unwind at the end of the day. The redesigned outdoor areas have also become an extension of their lifestyle—whether it's casual family dinners around the fire pit, entertaining friends in the outdoor kitchen, or simply enjoying the view from the reimagined backyard. Through a thoughtful and strategic approach, the house has been successfully evolved into a home that remains true to its mid-century modern roots while enhancing livability, functionality, and the overall quality of life for the modern-day owners. Klopf Architecture Team: Geoffrey Campen, Fernanda Bernardes Architectural Interior Design: Klopf Architecture Structural Engineer: Base Design Inc. Contractor: Golden Snail Builders Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed:2022

This newly constructed home was in need of an outdoor living space and streetscape in a matching contemporary Northwest style. Our studio composed a landscape with an improved entry sequence, balancing the need for personal privacy alongside a distinctive public face. A courtyard oasis with a new deck is enclosed by warm wooden fencing set on top of the contrasting raw texture of a gabion retaining wall that acts as a backdrop to bold streetscape plantings.

The Pool Box sites a small secondary residence and pool alongside an existing residence, set in a rolling Hill Country community. The project includes design for the structure, pool, and landscape - combined into a sequence of spaces of soft native planting, painted Texas daylight, and timeless materials. A careful entry carries one from a quiet landscape, stepping down into an entertainment room. Large glass doors open into a sculptural pool.

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

This kitchen features Brighton Cabinetry with Shaker Medium doors. One side is Maple Lace color, and the other side is a custom blue color on maple wood. The countertops are Calico White from Q Quartz. The wood top in the nook area is Grothouse Solid Wood Flat Grain Cherry with Sapwood. The backsplash tile is Baltimore 12″x 12″ mixed linear mosaic stone and glass blend from PaMarVa. The floor tile is Sequence Vortex 12″ x 24″ glazed porcelain from Florida Tile.