After the construction of a two-story colonial brick house, this backyard was left as an open canvas for a full creative design that included a plethora of amenities. Starting with a raised patio and balcony railing, this allows comfortable daily use to walk out of the house to the barbecue or to use the spa. The spa was built on a raised platform for easy access from the top patio. The patio steps were paved with flamed Amagansett granite pavers and treads. The brick columns were built on the raised patio to enhance the railing and decorated with flower pots. The raised patio allows a perfect view of the entire backyard. Many amenities were included in the backyard design. The 16’x32’ vinyl swimming pool was built with an auto cover and a self-contained sheer descend water feature set across from the pool. The patio around the pool was constructed with mocha travertine. A mosaic stone pebble inlay of a bloomed rose highlights the pool steps. Decorative flower pots are seasonally decorated around the pool. The pool house was built with a bathroom, T.V. room and an outdoor bar. The bocci court was built with crushed white marble dust and is equipped with lights for nighttime use. A Versa basketball court that includes lights, basketball hoop, and surrounded by netting so the basketball doesn't go outside the property line. A dog run was built with synthetic turf and is surrounded by a black chain link fence. The remaining space in the backyard was covered with artificial turf in which a putting green was inlaid. This backyard was designed and built with low maintenance in mind. From the evergreen shrubs to the natural stone travertine patio and synthetic grass. There is no need for lawnmowers or any weekly maintenance. These homeowners can enjoy their backyard all year round without interruption from weekly up keeping. Caste aluminum furniture ornate the patio and allows comfortable seating in backyard patio areas. For more information about Gappsi services and estimates visit www.gappsi.com or call us at 631-543-1177

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Bel-Air House sits above Hollywood, along scenic Mulholland Drive, the storied thoroughfare that acts as a winding referee between the compact density of the San Fernando Valley, and the more ex-urban conditions of Los Angeles. In contrast to the client’s weekend beach house, here the client envisioned a home that could share equally in the energy of the city, and the rustic qualities of canyon living. The resulting home is both minimal and refined—its abstract forms read against the wilder aspects of its nominally natural setting. As a patron of music, and the arts, the client’s creative interests suggested the overall design approach: A simple yet sophisticated backdrop for the presentation of recitals, and the display and appreciation of beautiful artifacts. The house avows a museum-like attitude—the rich but restrained material palette draws from the colors and textures of the Santa Monica Mountains, and opposes natural with refined, polished with honed, quietly confirming a reverential aspect to this “temple on the hill”. The focus of the house is a dark and silent pool. Intended as a space of emptiness, the pool is an enigmatic statement—at once a source of origin for the house, as well as its apparent conclusion. The spatial aspects unfold from this moment, with the various rooms revolving around this essential void. The pool and its open rotunda echo the reservoir in the canyon below the house, while the ocean beyond ultimately underscores the house’s strong commitment to water. Simple stone walls, taut rooflines, and disciplined and minimal detailing allow the home to act as an armature for the client’s personal expression of taste and creativity. In complement to the client’s Mussel Shoals House, which suggests a relationship with the vast, and ever-widening horizon, the architectural resolution of the Bel-Air House emerges from the sheltered and enveloping emotion of the canyon.

LOS ANGELES, CA / SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Bel-Air House sits above Hollywood, along scenic Mulholland Drive, the storied thoroughfare that acts as a winding referee between the compact density of the San Fernando Valley, and the more ex-urban conditions of Los Angeles. In contrast to the client’s weekend beach house, here the client envisioned a home that could share equally in the energy of the city, and the rustic qualities of canyon living. The resulting home is both minimal and refined—its abstract forms read against the wilder aspects of its nominally natural setting. As a patron of music, and the arts, the client’s creative interests suggested the overall design approach: A simple yet sophisticated backdrop for the presentation of recitals, and the display and appreciation of beautiful artifacts. The house avows a museum-like attitude—the rich but restrained material palette draws from the colors and textures of the Santa Monica Mountains, and opposes natural with refined, polished with honed, quietly confirming a reverential aspect to this “temple on the hill”. The focus of the house is a dark and silent pool. Intended as a space of emptiness, the pool is an enigmatic statement—at once a source of origin for the house, as well as its apparent conclusion. The spatial aspects unfold from this moment, with the various rooms revolving around this essential void. The pool and its open rotunda echo the reservoir in the canyon below the house, while the ocean beyond ultimately underscores the house’s strong commitment to water. Simple stone walls, taut rooflines, and disciplined and minimal detailing allow the home to act as an armature for the client’s personal expression of taste and creativity. In complement to the client’s Mussel Shoals House, which suggests a relationship with the vast, and ever-widening horizon, the architectural resolution of the Bel-Air House emerges from the sheltered and enveloping emotion of the canyon.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive, but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly. [Jeff Rumans]

In the trails located in the heart of Westlake Village, a homeowner embarked on a transformative journey. Feeling the urge to expand, refresh, and breathe new life into their space, they envisioned more than just additional square footage; they dreamed of a home capable of hosting their large family and grandchildren, becoming the backdrop for countless cherished memories. Understanding our client’s vision, our team set out to create an open, inviting space bathed in natural light. We aimed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while radiating warmth and brightness throughout the home. This commitment to our client’s dream guided us as we transformed every corner of the house. The transformation began with a significant addition to the back of the house. We knocked down walls, relocated the stairs, and reconfigured the floorplan to enhance flow and functionality. To further enhance the connection with the outdoors, we replaced traditional French doors with a stunning LaCantina door. This change not only expanded the view but also invited the beauty of the outdoors into the heart of the home. Turning our attention to the dated red brick that adorned the home’s facade, we applied a mortar overlay with creativity and skill. This transformed the tired brick into a fresh, unique feature that set the tone for the entire remodel. Our dedication to detail extended to every inch of the home, with custom finishes and upgrades in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Each detail was carefully chosen and executed to reflect our client’s taste and elevate their living experience. Understanding our client’s desires for outdoor gatherings, we added two patios—one roofed and one louvered—complete with an outdoor fireplace, lounging, and dining areas. We also built a new pool and added an outdoor BBQ island, creating inviting retreats perfect for family gatherings, relaxation, and making new memories. As the project neared completion, our client’s dream home stood transformed—a bright, open sanctuary perfectly tailored to their family’s needs and desires. While we provided the expertise, guidance, and craftsmanship, it was our client’s vision, passion, and trust that made it all possible. In the end, this project was about more than just remodeling a house; it was about crafting a home where love, laughter, and memories could flourish for years to come. Photographer: Andrew Orozco

This basement playroom is a dream come true for a family with two kids who love music! We created a stage with a curtain for big brother to perform on, while baby sis watches from her own swing, cheering him on as his #1 fan. The playroom also includes adjustable art tables and stools that grow with the kids, giving them the perfect spot for creative expression. There’s a cozy reading area, toy storage, and a gross motor play area complete with monkey bars, a foam pit, a climbing wall, and a cargo net for endless active fun. It’s the perfect space for the whole family to play, create, and perform together.

You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh hot summers presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Bend Crafts­men Com­pany LLC was founded in 2012 by Hank Hill. Bend Craftsmen Company operates as a residential and small commercial General Contractor and also offers carpentry, custom woodworking and project management services. Bend Crafts­men Company’s mis­sion is to pro­vide a unique, cre­ative approach to solv­ing clients’ needs; lis­ten­ing to, visu­al­iz­ing and cre­at­ing your dream space. Whether it’s building a piece of furniture, sur­pris­ing your part­ner with a new “room makeover”, over­see­ing your whole house or partial house remodel, or building your new dream home, Bend Craftsmen Company wants to be there with you and pro­vide a com­fort­able, pleas­ant expe­ri­ence along the way. We are ded­i­cated to cus­tomer sat­is­fac­tion and pro­duc­ing a high qual­ity fin­ished prod­uct in a timely, effi­cient manner. Hank brings nearly 20 years of pro­fes­sional expe­ri­ence within the build­ing indus­try. Grow­ing up in South Car­olina, Hank was sur­rounded by other fam­ily mem­bers who had a pas­sion for building and wood­work­ing. Whether help­ing his dad build a new cof­fee table for the fam­ily room or help­ing his uncles build a new deck on a beach house after a hur­ri­cane, Hank devel­oped a sound sense of build­ing and fine wood­work­ing. This pas­sion nat­u­rally led to work­ing as a fin­ish car­pen­ter and even­tu­ally project man­ager for a Design/Build Remod­el­ing Com­pany in Charleston, SC. There, he also vol­un­teered with the Charleston Stage Com­pany, build­ing sets for per­form­ing arts pro­duc­tions and attended the Amer­i­can Col­lege of Build­ing Arts, fine-tuning spe­cific crafts­man skills. In 2007, Hank couldn’t resist his draw to the Pacific North­west and moved to Bend for the small town liv­ing, out­door splen­dor and great com­mu­nity. Hank is certified by Earth Advantage as a Sustainable Homes Professional and is a regional leader in sustainable, energy efficient building practices. When not build­ing some­thing, Hank enjoys snow­board­ing, kayak­ing and head­ing to the coast to catch a few waves. Hank is active in both the pad­dling and arts com­mu­ni­ties in Bend, and has donated time to the 2nd Street The­atre build­ing sets. Hank is surrounded by his loving wife, Amber, wonderful daughter, Aidaleen, and dog, Wyatt. Are you look­ing for a Gen­eral Con­trac­tor in Bend, Ore­gon who has a per­son­al­ized approach to visu­al­iz­ing and cre­at­ing your dream space? Bend Craftsmen Company is here for you.

You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh hot summers presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

A charming Airbnb, favorite restaurant, cozy coffee house, or a piece of artwork can all serve as design inspiration for your decor. How wonderful would it be to bring the colors, patterns, shapes, fabrics, or textures of those beloved places or things into your own home? That is exactly what Janet Aurora’s client was hoping to do. Her favorite restaurant, The Ivy Chelsea Garden, is located in London and features tufted leather sofas and benches, hues of salmon and sage, botanical patterns, and artwork surrounded by lush gardens and flowers. Take a look at how Janet used this point of inspiration in the client’s living room, dining room, entryway and study. ~ Dining Room ~ To accommodate space for a dining room table that would seat eight, we eliminated the existing fireplace. Janet custom designed a table with a beautiful wrought iron base and marble top, selected botanical prints for a gallery wall, and floral valances for the windows, all set against a fresh turquoise backdrop. ~ Living Room ~ Nods to The Ivy Chelsea Garden can be seen throughout the living room and entryway. A custom leather tufted sofa anchors the living room and compliments a beloved “Grandma’s chair” with crewel fabric, which was restored to its former beauty. Walls painted with Benjamin Moore’s Dreamcatcher 640 and dark salmon hued draperies create a color palette that is strikingly similar to the al fresco setting in London. In the entryway, floral patterned wallpaper introduces the garden fresh theme seen throughout the home. ~ The Study ~ Janet transformed an existing bedroom into a study by claiming the space from two reach-in closets to create custom built-ins with lighting. Many of the homeowner’s own furnishings were used in this room, but Janet added a much-needed reading chair in turquoise to bring a nice pop of color, window treatments, and an area rug to tie the space together. Benjamin Moore’s Deep Mauve was used on the walls and Ruby Dusk was added to the back of the cabinetry to add depth and interest. We also added French doors that lead out to a small balcony for a place to take a break or have lunch. We love the way these spaces turned out and hope our clients will enjoy their spaces inspired by their favorite restaurant.

The bathroom remodel in Bloomington, IN included expanding the shower and installing a new Jacuzzi Primo tub. The main focal point is the 3x6 marble tiles that are place randomly and set to be staggered along the top. Most of the tile came from The Tile Shop and Rush River Studios. The shower floor is tumble marble and the walls are 8x24 planks. The goal was to make everything farily random and interesting. The waterfall tub faucet is from Sumerain and my client ordered it on Wayfair.

Electric Fireplaces by Amantii are perfect for homes, offices, restaurants or commercial settings. The clean, contemporary design of the fireplaces, along with innovative features such as mood-setting back-lighting, or design finishes, provide unlimited creativity and versatility for designing any interior space. Also, our out-of-the-box system makes it easy for you or your builder to install an Amantii electric fireplace in no time!

In the trails located in the heart of Westlake Village, a homeowner embarked on a transformative journey. Feeling the urge to expand, refresh, and breathe new life into their space, they envisioned more than just additional square footage; they dreamed of a home capable of hosting their large family and grandchildren, becoming the backdrop for countless cherished memories. Understanding our client’s vision, our team set out to create an open, inviting space bathed in natural light. We aimed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while radiating warmth and brightness throughout the home. This commitment to our client’s dream guided us as we transformed every corner of the house. The transformation began with a significant addition to the back of the house. We knocked down walls, relocated the stairs, and reconfigured the floorplan to enhance flow and functionality. To further enhance the connection with the outdoors, we replaced traditional French doors with a stunning LaCantina door. This change not only expanded the view but also invited the beauty of the outdoors into the heart of the home. Turning our attention to the dated red brick that adorned the home’s facade, we applied a mortar overlay with creativity and skill. This transformed the tired brick into a fresh, unique feature that set the tone for the entire remodel. Our dedication to detail extended to every inch of the home, with custom finishes and upgrades in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Each detail was carefully chosen and executed to reflect our client’s taste and elevate their living experience. Understanding our client’s desires for outdoor gatherings, we added two patios—one roofed and one louvered—complete with an outdoor fireplace, lounging, and dining areas. We also built a new pool and added an outdoor BBQ island, creating inviting retreats perfect for family gatherings, relaxation, and making new memories. As the project neared completion, our client’s dream home stood transformed—a bright, open sanctuary perfectly tailored to their family’s needs and desires. While we provided the expertise, guidance, and craftsmanship, it was our client’s vision, passion, and trust that made it all possible. In the end, this project was about more than just remodeling a house; it was about crafting a home where love, laughter, and memories could flourish for years to come. Photographer: Andrew Orozco

This kitchen stood with its semi-original cabinetry well over 60 years old, that barely held together by layers of paint. When I went to visit this home, I saw nothing but hidden potential in this quaint Mid-Town Ventura kitchen. Plans to join the once repurposed "Mud Room" and original kitchen space allowed for a cleaner, more cohesive space. By using lots of white and strategic pops of color, it breathed new life into the room creating a unique but creative palette - and if you know me, I LOVE using color! The hutch is accented by custom designed, hand-painted tile. It created the perfect space for a hutch to have new life. Sometimes using color can seem intimidating, but when paired with the right creative eye, it can have an effortless and timeless finished product! I am a proud designer for Ventura’s local design firm Kitchen Places. If you are interested in remodeling your home, feel free to contact me to set up a free consultation!

In the trails located in the heart of Westlake Village, a homeowner embarked on a transformative journey. Feeling the urge to expand, refresh, and breathe new life into their space, they envisioned more than just additional square footage; they dreamed of a home capable of hosting their large family and grandchildren, becoming the backdrop for countless cherished memories. Understanding our client’s vision, our team set out to create an open, inviting space bathed in natural light. We aimed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while radiating warmth and brightness throughout the home. This commitment to our client’s dream guided us as we transformed every corner of the house. The transformation began with a significant addition to the back of the house. We knocked down walls, relocated the stairs, and reconfigured the floorplan to enhance flow and functionality. To further enhance the connection with the outdoors, we replaced traditional French doors with a stunning LaCantina door. This change not only expanded the view but also invited the beauty of the outdoors into the heart of the home. Turning our attention to the dated red brick that adorned the home’s facade, we applied a mortar overlay with creativity and skill. This transformed the tired brick into a fresh, unique feature that set the tone for the entire remodel. Our dedication to detail extended to every inch of the home, with custom finishes and upgrades in the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. Each detail was carefully chosen and executed to reflect our client’s taste and elevate their living experience. Understanding our client’s desires for outdoor gatherings, we added two patios—one roofed and one louvered—complete with an outdoor fireplace, lounging, and dining areas. We also built a new pool and added an outdoor BBQ island, creating inviting retreats perfect for family gatherings, relaxation, and making new memories. As the project neared completion, our client’s dream home stood transformed—a bright, open sanctuary perfectly tailored to their family’s needs and desires. While we provided the expertise, guidance, and craftsmanship, it was our client’s vision, passion, and trust that made it all possible. In the end, this project was about more than just remodeling a house; it was about crafting a home where love, laughter, and memories could flourish for years to come. Photographer: Andrew Orozco

Complete your bathroom's design with elegant and beautiful tile from Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.

Malibu Glass Box House by Klopf Architecture Following the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018, the site in Malibu offered a unique opportunity to rebuild not just a home, but a new architectural composition that highlighted the property’s potential while navigating strict fire-rebuild codes in the area. Designed by Klopf Architecture, this project embraced a set of limitations and translated them into an architectural asset. The city’s fire-rebuild process required the new structure to remain close to the original footprint, size and bulk, a constraint that ultimately clarified the architectural direction. Perched near the front of a long, narrow lot, the new home frames and overlooks a private, park-like rear expanse, an uncommon luxury especially in this part of Malibu . Without a fixed program, the design process allowed for a different kind of creative focus allowing Klopf Architecture the opportunity to explore how a modernist home could best respond to this site. The team approached the project not with a list of requirements, but with a question: How might a modernist live here? What spatial qualities would inspire calm, connection, and a sense of wonder in this setting? The process became less about problem-solving and more about architectural storytelling—letting the site, the light, and the principles of modern design guide the form and flow of the home. The response emerged in the form of a glass-box pavilion, an open, Mid-Century Modern inspired living, dining, and kitchen space that floats at the edge of the property’s natural descent. Connected to the more enclosed, private areas of the home by a glass-walled hallway, the living pavilion becomes a distinct centerpiece of the design. It opens on all four sides to the landscape with decks and patios on the flanks, an internal garden and water feature to the north, and a dramatic unguarded view of the expansive backyard and ocean horizon to the south. Because of the mandated footprint, careful planning was required to ensure every space could still engage with light, landscape, or both. Strategic voids in the form of atriums and courtyards allow daylight to filter deep into the home’s core, while offering moments of surprise and retreat. These design gestures allow natural light to filter deep into the interior, creating a sense of brightness and openness throughout the day. At the same time, they expand the perceptual boundaries between inside and out, making the home feel more expansive while anchoring its connection to the surrounding landscape. The siting of the house is what gives it its unique character. Rather than receding into the backyard like the neighboring homes, the house holds a slight prominence. From the central living pavilion, stepping down into the landscape feels more like entering a secluded park where a separate existing accessory structure, trail, and recreational areas await. The home’s modest street presence gives way to this unfolding drama of space, view, and nature. Fire-resilient materials and assemblies are integrated seamlessly throughout including triple-pane glazing, under-slab and roof insulation, and locally sourced fire-rated cladding ensure the house not only meets Calfornia’s rigorous wildland-urban interface (WUI) standards, but feels effortlessly aligned with them. While technical decisions like fire-hardening and mechanical systems presented some construction challenges, particularly around the cantilevered glass box, the team found a functional compromise that preserved the integrity of the design. Inside, a restrained palette and exposed post and beam design celebrate the ethos of mid-century modernism. A central circulation spine extends from the entry to the rear glass wall, offering a continuous visual link from street to ocean. Spaces such as the library and office, though more intimate in scale, are never cut off from nature as each opens to its own unique courtyard or garden view. Though born out of a strict regulatory framework and developed without a specific client, the rebuild design unfolded with remarkable clarity. Grounded in site logic, refined by limitations and an emphasis on timeless spatial relationships – light, proportion, and a strong connection to nature, the resulting design feels both effortless and uplifting. The home lives lightly on the land, opens generously to its surroundings, and strikes a careful balance between privacy, openness, and calm. For Klopf Architecture, it stands as a compelling case study in how site, code, and circumstantial constraints can inspire enduring, modernist architecture. With years of experience reimagining mid-century modern design for how people live today, the firm took the project’s limitations as an opportunity. The result is a home shaped by open, flowing spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connections, and a calm, clear sense of structure. It’s a good reminder that even with strict constraints, there’s still room for architecture to breathe—and for modernism to keep moving forward. Klopf Architecture project team: Geoff Campen, John Klopf, AIA, and Sherry Tan Structural Engineer: ZFA Contractor: Maison D’Artiste Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2023

Complete your bathroom's design with elegant and beautiful tile from Ceramic Tile Design. CTD is a family owned business with a showroom and warehouse in both San Rafael and San Francisco. Our showrooms are staffed with talented teams of Design Consultants. Whether you already know exactly what you want or have no knowledge of what's possible we can help your project exceed your expectations. To achieve this we stock the best Italian porcelain lines in a variety of styles and work with the most creative American art tile companies to set your project apart from the rest. Our warehouses not only provide a safe place for your order to arrive but also stock a complete array of all the setting materials your contractor will need to complete your project saving him time and you, money. The warehouse staff is knowledgeable and friendly to help make sure your project goes smoothly.