This Chicago historic luxury home renovation focused on preserving the architectural character of a classic Victorian stone residence while transforming the interior for modern living. The exterior façade retains its original stone masonry, dramatic turret detail, arched openings, and strong historic presence—elements that define the home’s identity and timeless curb appeal. Inside, the project involved a full-scale renovation including custom kitchen remodeling, modern living spaces, luxury bathroom upgrades, and structural coordination required to support contemporary functionality within a historic footprint. Careful planning was essential to respect the original architecture while integrating modern systems, layout improvements, and elevated finishes. This project reflects a design-build approach where preservation and performance work together—maintaining what gives the home its character while creating a refined, highly functional space built for long-term living.

Mark Hoyle Originally, this 3700 SF two level eclectic farmhouse from the mid 1980’s underwent design changes to reflect a more colonial style. Now, after being completely renovated with additional 2800 SF living space, it’s combined total of 6500 SF boasts an Energy Star certification of 5 stars. Approaching this completed home, you will meander along a new driveway through the dense buffer of trees until you reach the clearing, and then circle a tiered fountain on axis with the front entry accentuating the symmetrical main structure. Many of the exterior changes included enclosing the front porch and rear screened porch, replacing windows, replacing all the vinyl siding with and fiber cement siding, creating a new front stoop with winding brick stairs and wrought iron railings as will as other additions to the left and rear of the home. The existing interior was completely fro the studs and included modifying uses of many of the existing rooms such as converting the original dining room into an oval shaped theater with reclining theater seats, fiber-optic starlight ceiling and an 80” television with built-in surround sound. The laundry room increased in size by taking in the porch and received all new cabinets and finishes. The screened porch across the back of the house was enclosed to create a new dining room, enlarged the kitchen, all of which allows for a commanding view of the beautifully landscaped pool. The upper master suite begins by entering a private office then leads to a newly vaulted bedroom, a new master bathroom with natural light and an enlarged closet. The major portion of the addition space was added to the left side as a part time home for the owner’s brother. This new addition boasts an open plan living, dining and kitchen, a master suite with a luxurious bathroom and walk–in closet, a guest suite, a garage and its own private gated brick courtyard entry and direct access to the well appointed pool patio. And finally the last part of the project is the sunroom and new lagoon style pool. Tucked tightly against the rear of the home. This room was created to feel like a gazebo including a metal roof and stained wood ceiling, the foundation of this room was constructed with the pool to insure the look as if it is floating on the water. The pool’s negative edge opposite side allows open views of the trees beyond. There is a natural stone waterfall on one side of the pool and a shallow area on the opposite side for lounge chairs to be placed in it along with a hot tub that spills into the pool. The coping completes the pool’s natural shape and continues to the patio utilizing the same stone but separated by Zoysia grass keeping the natural theme. The finishing touches to this backyard oasis is completed utilizing large boulders, Tempest Torches, architectural lighting and abundant variety of landscaping complete the oasis for all to enjoy.

Located in the agricultural outskirts of Grand Junction, this project was designed as a forever home for our client to enjoy the views and live in the heart of her daughter’s ranch. This is the second home on the property, and being sensitive to the existing structures was key to the success of the project. Our client values privacy and maintaining the wide open nature of living within the farm lands that built the Grand Valley. We were able to be mindful of the existing home, as well as the distant neighbors, to create a mountain modern farmhouse, rooted in Grand Junction’s agricultural landscape. Design Concept One of the most prominent items on our client’s wish list was an abundance of natural light and a connection to the outdoor spaces. Without any natural features to provide shade to the home, we designed awning features, deep eaves and spacious porches to shield the large expanses of glass from the intense western Colorado sun. We designed well shaded clerestory windows to allow natural light to reach deep into the interior spaces and installed energy efficient, Low-E Weathershield windows to provide year round interior comfort. Our client also valued an open floor plan and durability of materials to make the home as maintenance free as possible. We installed tile flooring throughout for ease of cleaning, installed standing seam metal on the roof for longevity, and fiber cement board siding for durability. It is a harsh landscape in the Western Colorado sun, and we wanted our client’s home to withstand the tests of the desert. Aging in Place Because this was designed as a forever home, we used a number of unique design techniques to ensure the home was safe and suitable for aging in place. The most important technique we utilized was designing a “dropped” floor system allowing our floor to be level with the exterior patios. As in all of our homes, we utilized an energy efficient Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) stem wall foundation. This system also allowed us to easily drop our floor joists into it, eliminating any steps, big or small, going into the house. The seamless transitions not only provide safe maneuvering throughout the home, but also a contemporary flair on the farmhouse aesthetic. The positioning of the house relative to the existing home, large expanses of wood plank stamped concrete patios and 3+ foot wide doors throughout are only a few of the other approaches we took to make sure our client was safe and comfortable as they age in this home.

Founded in 1973, Fiam Italia is a global icon of glass culture with four decades of glass innovation and design that produced revolutionary structures and created a new level of utility for glass as a material in residential and commercial interior decor. Fiam Italia designs, develops and produces items of furniture in curved glass, creating them through a combination of craftsmanship and industrial processes, while merging tradition and innovation, through a hand-­crafted approach.

Duplex Y is located in a multi apartment building, typical to the Carmel mountain neighborhoods. The building has several entrances due to the slope it sits on. Duplex Y has its own separate entrance and a beautiful view towards Haifa bay and the Golan Heights that can be seen on a clear weather day. The client - a computer high-tech couple, with their two small daughters asked us for a simple and functional design that could remind them of their frequent visits to central and northern Europe. Their request has been accepted. Our planning approach was simple indeed, maybe even simple in a radical way: We followed the principle of clean and ultra minimal spaces, that serve their direct mission only. Complicated geometry of the rooms has been simplified by implementing built-in wood furniture into numerous niches. The most 'complicated' room (due to its broken geometry, narrow proportions and sloped ceiling) has been turned into a kid's room shaped as a clean 'wood box' for fun, games and 'edutainment'. The storage room has been refurbished to maximize it's purpose by creating enough space to store 90% of the entire family's demand. We've tried to avoid unnecessary decoration. 97% of the design has its functional use in addition to its atmospheric qualities. Several elements like the structural cylindrical column were exposed to show their original material - concrete. Photos: Julia Berezina

Founded in 1973, Fiam Italia is a global icon of glass culture with four decades of glass innovation and design that produced revolutionary structures and created a new level of utility for glass as a material in residential and commercial interior decor. Fiam Italia designs, develops and produces items of furniture in curved glass, creating them through a combination of craftsmanship and industrial processes, while merging tradition and innovation, through a hand-­crafted approach.

Saturday July 18, 10:00 to 11:30am | Dedham Lowder Brook by Keith LeBlanc and John Haven of Keith LeBlanc Landscape Architecture A series of structured gardens and terraces were designed in conjunction with a new Greek Revival home set on twelve acres within a residential neighborhood in suburban Boston. The unusual scale of the property conveys the feel of secluded New England woodland, highlighting the dramatic beauty of the existing mature trees, which were carefully cultivated and catalogued by a previous owner with ties to the Arnold Arboretum. The gardens provide spaces both grand, as in the front approach, and intimate, as the walled rear garden, and mediate between the architecture and the woodland setting. Pathways surrounded by rhododendrons and viburnums lead visitors to a hedged pool garden and orchard meadow. The result of this close collaboration among owner, architect, and landscape architect is a subtly crafted landscape at harmony with its formal and naturalistic cues. Photos by Jane Messinger and Keith LeBlanc

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

The Roger Lee designed house from 1962 was purchased by the current homeowners in almost original condition, as the previous owners elected to defer most maintenance projects over the years. The clients were able to see beyond the dated materials and finishes, single-paned glass and uninsulated walls and they approached Klopf Architecture to help them expand and update the entire home, one the family could settle into and enjoy for years to come. It was important that the new designs were aligned with Lee's original intent not only because of the client's appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, but also because the house was deemed historical. The Stanford Real Estate Office requires a stringent design review which safeguards the integrity of the community, which Klopf Architecture was happy to oblige going into their updated designs. As with many original mid-century modern homes, the house was scaled to the 1960s lifestyle where rooms were smaller and openings to views were limited and tightly framed. The original conditions defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle. Klopf designed a full gut remodel and major addition to bring the house into the 21st century and provide the living area needed for the client's family. The newly expanded house added just about 1,100 sf to create an airy, comfortable and family friendly house, taking full advantage of the beautiful southwestern views that extend out to the hills beyond. The enclosed garage created an additional 240 sf of covered space for long-term storage. A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so it was one of the first elements to go during the transformation. Working with Outer Space Landscape Architects, the family asked for a mix of relaxing outdoor patio spaces that eventually blend into the native landscaping, extending their views outward toward the natural greenery of the trees beyond their property. Filling in the old pool was a smart way to expand the living spaces outward. The orientation of the house was designed to enjoy the views, but the original architecture provided the first homeowners with mere glimpses of the landscape outside. Klopf was able to broaden those views, continuing and extending on the original architecture to take full advantage of the unobstructed natural views across the rear facade of the house. Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roof line upward, extending across almost all of the facade. We worked with Western Windows, whose designs included an oblique-shaped, operable casement that allowed our design to rise with the slope. A new corner office added to the primary suite, offers a bright and functional work-from-home solution that looks out at the distant views and added natural light from the expanded window configuration that now wraps around the corner. The existing lower level was designed by Lee as a utilitarian space, serving as a wet pool room with a drain in the center of the floor, bathroom, laundry and storage areas. Without the need for a pool room, Klopf was able to convert the area into a much more comfortable and functional living space with a new family room and guest suite. The new spaces enjoy easy access to a new outdoor patio through floor to ceiling, full-width glass sliders. Continuing along the rear facade, a previously exposed deck extending from the living room and hallway provided access to the backyard through a single set of stairs leading toward the side of the house which made sense when the pool was in place. The new deck was re-envisioned as an extension of the main living room and now serves as a second outdoor living room. A new slatted pergola above provides the homeowners welcome relief from the hot afternoon sun. A second set of stairs now creates a better connection to the redesigned lower level. Klopf was able to reconfigure the spaces, extending the living room outward toward the views, where the family now claims it as the heart of the home, spending a large majority of their time outdoors. Back inside, the original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner installed to comply with California's strict air standards. It now rests in front of a wall of Heath accent tiles where a dated red brick wall used to stand. A new taller window brings more light and views into the refreshed interior living room. The original glass doors opposite the fireplace were replaced by larger sliders that when fully opened, create a seamless transition to the new outdoor living area so the two spaces feel like one connected space. The original utilitarian kitchen was needlessly tucked into the far back corner and closed-off, out of sight from the living room, so the clients asked Klopf to open it up and expand the kitchen forward so it felt more connected. Today the much larger kitchen is connected to the living area where a short wall with a cutout offers a visual glimpse into the kitchen and a handy pass-through counter for serving guests. A new breakfast nook was also added to create another spot where the family can gather for casual meals. Just outside, a new built-in outdoor grill and prep area extends the kitchen outside and connects to a new outdoor dining spot nestled amongst the trees, taking advantage of the views out back. Klopf was able to expand the other two bedrooms, add a new laundry room and half-bath and convert the carport to an enclosed garage to add more storage areas which was lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room. To maintain a historical connection to the original designs, the exterior siding was repeated on all exterior walls, a full-height stained glass window at the front entryway restored, and an interior slatted screen element repeated outside at the exterior entry courtyard and over the new outdoor living room to create a shade trellis. The new house stands proudly and shines against it's new landscaping features, while respecting and expanding on the original intent of Roger Lee's designs epitomizing the comforts of indoor-outdoor living in Northern California. Completion year: 2020 Klopf Architecture project team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane, Noel Andrade Contractor: ORB Construction, Brendan O'Reilly Structural engineer: Sezen and Moon Landscape architect: Outer space Furnishings and decoration: Urbanism Designs Photographer: Mariko Reed

Our clients Bill and Tammy approached us to construct a bonus room above the garage for their exercise equipment with an additional bedroom and bathroom for guests. This project has a few unique challenges including installing a 2 hour fire rated wall so that their home can be considered two separate structures for the Philomath fire marshal (so we don’t need to install a residential sprinkler system). We are also keeping their existing home operational during construction including their furnace and electrical panel which are directly underneath the new addition!

On the sunlit approach to this modern Chicago residence, the architecture immediately asserts its presence with a crisp, geometric facade clad in luminous white Trespa panels. The clean lines and seamless finish emphasize precision craftsmanship, while the rhythm of the panel joints plays in harmony with the large-scale windows below. Every element of the exterior was designed to balance visual impact with long-term durability—ensuring the home's beauty will endure through Chicago's varied seasons. Anchoring the front elevation is a generous expanse of sliding glass doors and tall fixed windows, creating a nearly uninterrupted connection between the interior and the expansive deck beyond. The transparency allows natural light to flood the home's main living spaces, while the strategic overhang and orientation ensure comfort in every season. The elevated deck, built in rich wood tones, serves as a natural extension of the living area—perfect for both quiet morning coffee rituals and lively gatherings with friends. The exterior stair, crafted in matching wood tones, elegantly bridges the upper and lower outdoor spaces, inviting movement between levels with ease. This intentional layering of indoor and outdoor living reflects the home's core philosophy: every square foot should be both beautiful and functional. For a family that values connection—to each other, to nature, and to design—this home offers an environment that supports daily life while inspiring it. From its modern silhouette to its tactile material palette, this is more than a facade—it's the architectural handshake that welcomes you home.

We were excited when the homeowners of this project approached us to help them with their whole house remodel as this is a historic preservation project. The historical society has approved this remodel. As part of that distinction we had to honor the original look of the home; keeping the façade updated but intact. For example the doors and windows are new but they were made as replicas to the originals. The homeowners were relocating from the Inland Empire to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. One of their requests was additional living space. In order to achieve this we added a second story to the home while ensuring that it was in character with the original structure. The interior of the home is all new. It features all new plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Although the home is a Spanish Revival the homeowners style on the interior of the home is very traditional. The project features a home gym as it is important to the homeowners to stay healthy and fit. The kitchen / great room was designed so that the homewoners could spend time with their daughter and her children. The home features two master bedroom suites. One is upstairs and the other one is down stairs. The homeowners prefer to use the downstairs version as they are not forced to use the stairs. They have left the upstairs master suite as a guest suite. Enjoy some of the before and after images of this project: http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3549200/old-garage-office-turned-gym-in-los-angeles http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3558821/la-face-lift-for-the-patio http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3569717/la-kitchen-remodel http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3579013/los-angeles-entry-hall http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3592549/exterior-shots-of-a-whole-house-remodel-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3607481/living-dining-rooms-become-a-library-and-formal-dining-room-in-la http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3628842/bathroom-makeover-in-los-angeles-ca http://www.houzz.com/discussions/3640770/sweet-dreams-la-bedroom-remodels Exterior: Approved by the historical society as a Spanish Revival, the second story of this home was an addition. All of the windows and doors were replicated to match the original styling of the house. The roof is a combination of Gable and Hip and is made of red clay tile. The arched door and windows are typical of Spanish Revival. The home also features a Juliette Balcony and window. Library / Living Room: The library offers Pocket Doors and custom bookcases. Powder Room: This powder room has a black toilet and Herringbone travertine. Kitchen: This kitchen was designed for someone who likes to cook! It features a Pot Filler, a peninsula and an island, a prep sink in the island, and cookbook storage on the end of the peninsula. The homeowners opted for a mix of stainless and paneled appliances. Although they have a formal dining room they wanted a casual breakfast area to enjoy informal meals with their grandchildren. The kitchen also utilizes a mix of recessed lighting and pendant lights. A wine refrigerator and outlets conveniently located on the island and around the backsplash are the modern updates that were important to the homeowners. Master bath: The master bath enjoys both a soaking tub and a large shower with body sprayers and hand held. For privacy, the bidet was placed in a water closet next to the shower. There is plenty of counter space in this bathroom which even includes a makeup table. Staircase: The staircase features a decorative niche Upstairs master suite: The upstairs master suite features the Juliette balcony Outside: Wanting to take advantage of southern California living the homeowners requested an outdoor kitchen complete with retractable awning. The fountain and lounging furniture keep it light. Home gym: This gym comes completed with rubberized floor covering and dedicated bathroom. It also features its own HVAC system and wall mounted TV.

Photo by Mike Force. A first time residential developer approa-ched Kinney & Associates to help him design an addition and remodel to an existing 1100-square-foot residence in East Austin. The program was simple -- he wanted a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath house that could be sold easily or lived in should he decide to keep it for a while. Kinney & Associates endeavored to keep as much of the existing structure as feasible while delivering a very marketable product that would appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. The final product included a Game/Media Room adjacent a courtyard space that can be used for entertaining or for kids. The Master Bedroom atop the Game/Media lends itself to privacy and seclusion so that the owners can use it as a retreat. The final product is a 2400-square-foot residence that appears to be a small bungalow from the street, but lends itself to downtown views in the rear.

This very large corner site was shrouded in tired and thirsty conventional lawn. Really a bland, uninteresting monoculture—impossible to maintain especially in light of our dwindling resources and our growing understanding about sustainable practices. We chose to approach this project not with the idea that existing lawn is bad, but with respect for what lawn has historically represented: a socially connective tissue. Instead of conventional grass requiring endlessly large amounts of water, chemicals and mowing, this lawn conversion shifts to a naturalistic native meadow mix splashed with wildflowers and drought tolerant native shrubs. It was the clients’ desire to be wrapped by a garden attracting native pollinators and beneficial insects. A wildlife photographer, they wanted the opportunity to open windows and doors and feel immediately connected to a coastal native environment. The handsome new stone walls, stairs and massive boulders became the structural framework containing the loose, coastal sage scrub plant community, holding the landscape together during the dormant months. As we continue to grow our acceptance of and appreciation for climate appropriate California gardens, and embrace the paradigm shift, let us graciously bid adieu to our home’s unsustainable velvet robe.

Duplex Y is located in a multi apartment building, typical to the Carmel mountain neighborhoods. The building has several entrances due to the slope it sits on. Duplex Y has its own separate entrance and a beautiful view towards Haifa bay and the Golan Heights that can be seen on a clear weather day. The client - a computer high-tech couple, with their two small daughters asked us for a simple and functional design that could remind them of their frequent visits to central and northern Europe. Their request has been accepted. Our planning approach was simple indeed, maybe even simple in a radical way: We followed the principle of clean and ultra minimal spaces, that serve their direct mission only. Complicated geometry of the rooms has been simplified by implementing built-in wood furniture into numerous niches. The most 'complicated' room (due to its broken geometry, narrow proportions and sloped ceiling) has been turned into a kid's room shaped as a clean 'wood box' for fun, games and 'edutainment'. The storage room has been refurbished to maximize it's purpose by creating enough space to store 90% of the entire family's demand. We've tried to avoid unnecessary decoration. 97% of the design has its functional use in addition to its atmospheric qualities. Several elements like the structural cylindrical column were exposed to show their original material - concrete. Photos: Julia Berezina

This ambitious project replaced a failing creosote railroad tie retaining wall that had collapsed at our client’s hillside home on Vineyard Lake. A project this size can be daunting in scope to address the overgrown, unstable slope. Our team worked together with thoughtful hardscape design, skilled execution and consistent site management, delivering a quality installation in a timely manor. Landscape Designer, John McBride, crafted a site design that worked with the natural contours of the hillside, incorporating a terraced approach for structural integrity. Project Supervisor, Donnie Jones, expertly choreographed the new segmented wall construction while concurrently removing the upper railroad tie walls to stabilize the hillside.

Photo by Mike Force. A first time residential developer approa-ched Kinney & Associates to help him design an addition and remodel to an existing 1100-square-foot residence in East Austin. The program was simple -- he wanted a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath house that could be sold easily or lived in should he decide to keep it for a while. Kinney & Associates endeavored to keep as much of the existing structure as feasible while delivering a very marketable product that would appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. The final product included a Game/Media Room adjacent a courtyard space that can be used for entertaining or for kids. The Master Bedroom atop the Game/Media lends itself to privacy and seclusion so that the owners can use it as a retreat. The final product is a 2400-square-foot residence that appears to be a small bungalow from the street, but lends itself to downtown views in the rear.

Founded in 1973, Fiam Italia is a global icon of glass culture with four decades of glass innovation and design that produced revolutionary structures and created a new level of utility for glass as a material in residential and commercial interior decor. Fiam Italia designs, develops and produces items of furniture in curved glass, creating them through a combination of craftsmanship and industrial processes, while merging tradition and innovation, through a hand-­crafted approach.

Founded in 1973, Fiam Italia is a global icon of glass culture with four decades of glass innovation and design that produced revolutionary structures and created a new level of utility for glass as a material in residential and commercial interior decor. Fiam Italia designs, develops and produces items of furniture in curved glass, creating them through a combination of craftsmanship and industrial processes, while merging tradition and innovation, through a hand-­crafted approach.