A gracious 11,500 SF shingle-style residence overlooking the Long Island Sound in Lloyd Harbor, New York. Architecture and Design by Smiros & Smiros Architects. Built by Stokkers + Company.

The client was recently widowed and had been wanting to remodel her kitchen for a long time. Although the floor plan of the space remained the same, the kitchen received a major makeover in terms of aesthetic and function to fit the style and needs of the client and her small dog in this water front residence. The peninsula was brought down in height to achieve a more spacious and inviting feel into the living space and patio facing the water. Shades of gray were used to veer away from the all white kitchen and adding a dark gray entertainment unit really added drama to the space. Schedule an appointment with one of our designers: http://www.gkandb.com/contact-us/ DESIGNER: CJ LOWENTHAL PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVE JOHNSON CABINETS: DURA SUPREME CABINETRY

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

> Services CATEGORIES OF SERVICES ~MEMORIAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL POOL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~SPRAY RINGS KANSAS CITY ~FLOATING FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERACTIVE FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~STATUARY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~ROCK - BOULDER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERWALLS KANSAS CITY ~DISPLAY FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATERFALL - FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS AND RAIN CURTAINS KANSAS CITY ~INTERIOR FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY ~WATER FEATURE DESIGN AND ENGINEERING KANSAS CITY ~CUSTOM FOUNTAIN FABRICATION KANSAS CITY -WATER FEATURE, FOUNTAIN, RAINBARS, SPRAY RINGS, FLOATING FOUNTAINS ~BAPTISMAL FONT KANSAS CITY ~ARCHITECTURAL PARKING LOT FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~INFINITY EDGE FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~CURRENT WATER FEATURE PROJECT KANSAS CITY ~FIRE AND WATER FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~HOSPITAL FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~AMUSEMENT PARK FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS FOUNTAINS KANSAS CITY ~POND FOUNTAIN KANSAS CITY ~RAINBARS *FEATURED ON CURB APPEAL* KANSAS CITY ~FOUNTAIN PUMPS/PARTS KANSAS CITY -LAKE MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY -POOL CONSTRUCTION KANSAS CITY -POOL MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT KANSAS CITY FOUNTAIN SERVICES KANSAS CITY Fountain Design and Construction Tile and Stone Installation Underwater Fountain Lighting Plumbing, Filtration and Waterproofing Regular Fountain Maintenance Water Feature Integration Clean Pump Intake Screens Clean Mechanical/Biological Filter Media Clean Skimmer Baskets/Strainers Clean Decorative Spitters, Nozzles, Art Pieces Brush Interior Fountain Basin Skim Surface Area to Remove Debris Fountains - Monitor Water Chemical Levels Add Water Chemicals as Required Repair Fountain Equipment as Required Ponds - Monitor Pond Water Levels Add Natural Pond Products as Required Repair Pond Equipment as Required Evaluate if Replacement Parts are Needed (example: filter media pads, light bulbs) Test Fountain/Pond Electrical & Lighting KANSAS CITY FOUNTAIN DESIGN GROUP WHY CHOOSE US? Passion to work, Quality Service & Realistic Price In Kansas City Fountain, A KANSAS CITY LANDSCAPE Design Group, We have worked hard over the years, to build the company to the size it is today. Our positive attitude to waterfalls and waterfeature kansas city, hard work, passion to work, dedication with quality service and realistic prices, have helped us grow throughout the Midwest over the years. Idealistic and Strategic Designs In the years we have been in business, we have completed many landscaping, fountain, masonry ,paving projects, and landscape water featurs. We believe our team has a good flair for design. All design work and plans are created in house. From a commercial drawing or a residential customers initial ideas. We can take care of your whole project from beginning to totally completion. We provide fast and efficient service, our client’s time is very important to us. No matter how big or small your project is, give us a call for a site survey. See how Kansas City Fountain Design Group 816-500-4198 / City of Fountain Builders, water features kansas city can help transform your area into stunning one. From fountain maintenance to water feature construction, our company Kansas City Fountain Group allows us to provide all-inclusive services. We provide regular maintenance that includes cleaning, equipment repairs and chemical treatment. We can package your fountain maintenance with your swimming pool service and provide valuable, long-term planning necessary for preserving your existing aquatic feature. Long-lasting renovations and repairs will take your fountain to the next level. At Kansas City Fountain Design Group safety and quality are our priorities, and everything we do is built around it. From lifeguard training to managing your water chemistry to repairing or renovating your pool installation Kansas City, fountain Kansas City, Water Feature Kansas City, Waterfall Kansas City safety is our number one focus. Nothing, and we mean nothing, is as important to us as your safety at the pool. To achieve this level of safety, and our exemplary safety record, we employ the best trained and knowledgeable pool professionals in the industry, and we never stop training and teaching. We go well beyond what our competition does, it costs us more to do it, but we don’t know any other way. Our company's goal – provide quality service that stands the test of time, craftmanship, and honest business. We live these every day to provide you not only a safe work experience but a fun and enjoyable experience as well. It’s these core values that drive our service excellence and keeps our customers coming back. It’s not by chance that we have built the larges commercial fountain Kansas City, Fountain management Kansas City, Pool Management Kansas City and maintenance company in the nearly 30 years we’ve been in business – we’ve earned it, and we hope you become a part of it. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOUNTAIN, WATER FEATURE SERVICES Fountain Installation Kansas City Fountain Builder Kansas City Historic Fountain Restoration Kansas City Fountain Repair Kansas City Fountain Contractor Kansas City Fountain Company Kansas City Fountain Refurbishment Kansas City Fountain Maintenance Kansas City Landscape Water Features Kansas City kansas city landscape water features, homemade water features kansas city, landscape water features gallery kansas city, water features ideas kansas city , Go to link Pond, garden water features, Kansas City Fountain Design Group , the Fountain Builders in Kansas City, is an innovative firm of fountain restoration Kansas City, fountain installation Kansas City, historic fountain repair Kansas City with specific skills in fountain design, pond, garden water features Kansas City, strategic and open space planning, open space master planning, urban and environmental design and community consultation with high standards of graphic and technical outputs. We pride ourselves on the development of aquascape and hardscape design ,site responsive and implementable concept, with demonstrated technical and project skills to ensure the successful translation of innovative designs to high quality constructed works.

"The home remodeling process, from concept to a finished product, can be a long and stressful time for many couples. An endless number of questions always come to mind and timely decisions must be made if a successful project is desired. This is why we picked Taylor Pro Design and the reason we are so happy with the finished product! Kerry clearly explained what could and couldn’t be done from a design standpoint and the cost implications of the various options we were considering. In terms of the end product we couldn’t be happier. The attention to detail by his contractors is superb and Kerry’s willingness to make sure we were completely satisfied with everything is genuine and trustworthy. We would recommend Kerry Pro Design to anyone." ~ Julie S, Client Designer: Kerry Taylor Photos by: Jon Upson

The high point of this project was the smart layout and design that made sure to get every inch of space allowed by Avondale Estate’s unique height, size and massing limits. In addition, the exterior used a variety of materials to create a harmonious and interesting visual that though unique is oh so pleasing to the eye. Details inside made the space useful, airy and bright. A very large sliding door unit floods the living room and kitchenette with light. The bathroom serves all purposes and doesn’t feel too tight. And the office has plenty of room for visiting clients and long term can provide a bedroom with plenty of closet space if needs change. The accessory structure successfully includes absolutely every function the homeowner could want with style to spare.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… A returning client wished to create an office environment that would refuel his childhood and current passion: Star Wars. Creating exhibit-style surroundings to incorporate iconic elements from the epic franchise was key to the success for this home office. A life-sized statue of Harrison Ford’s character Han Solo, a longstanding piece of the homeowner’s collection, is now featured in a custom glass display case is the room’s focal point. The glowing backlit pattern behind the statue is a reference to the floor design shown in the scene featuring Han being frozen in carbonite. The command center is surrounded by iconic patterns custom-designed in backlit laser-cut metal panels. The exquisite millwork around the room was refinished, and porcelain floor slabs were cut in a pattern to resemble the chess table found on the legendary spaceship Millennium Falcon. A metal-clad fireplace with a hidden television mounting system, an iridescent ceiling treatment, wall coverings designed to add depth, a custom-designed desk made by a local artist, and an Italian rocker chair that appears to be from a galaxy, far, far, away... are all design elements that complete this once-in-a-galaxy home office that would make any Jedi proud. Photo Credit: David Duncan Livingston

The Abraham Knowlton House (c. 1725) was nearly demolished to make room for the expansion of a nearby commercial building. Thankfully, this historic home was saved from that fate after surviving a long, drawn out battle. When we began the project, the building was in a lamentable state of disrepair due to long-term neglect. Before we could begin on the restoration and renovation of the house proper, we needed to raise the entire structure in order to repair and fortify the foundation. The design project was substantial, involving the transformation of this historic house into beautiful and yet highly functional condominiums. The final design brought this home back to its original, stately appearance while giving it a new lease on life as a home for multiple families. Winner, 2003 Mary P. Conley Award for historic home restoration and preservation Photo Credit: Cynthia August

The high point of this project was the smart layout and design that made sure to get every inch of space allowed by Avondale Estate’s unique height, size and massing limits. In addition, the exterior used a variety of materials to create a harmonious and interesting visual that though unique is oh so pleasing to the eye. Details inside made the space useful, airy and bright. A very large sliding door unit floods the living room and kitchenette with light. The bathroom serves all purposes and doesn’t feel too tight. And the office has plenty of room for visiting clients and long term can provide a bedroom with plenty of closet space if needs change. The accessory structure successfully includes absolutely every function the homeowner could want with style to spare.

This modern home in New Buffalo, Michigan had its concrete polished up to a 400 grit concrete polish by Dancer Concrete out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. This polished concrete floor system incorporates a polished concrete Densifier and concrete stain guard for durability. The benefits of doing a polished concrete floor in your home are: easy maintenance, increased light reflectivity, and long term durability. We like how this otherwise warm space with its red wall accents is complemented by the cool gray color of this floor. Share your thoughts with us below!

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Carolina Coastal in Wilmington, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic architectural details with modern elements. Specifically engineered for premium waterfront living, this custom house plan features a structural raised piling foundation designed to elevate the home, address regional rising tide concerns, and maximize panoramic vistas. Embodying elite coastal architecture, the layout incorporates a unique upside-down floor plan where the primary common living spaces are strategically elevated to the top level of the home. This upper level features an open great room, a private owner's retreat, and a chef-ready kitchen equipped with a huge central island. The main living zones open up to sweeping double porches on both the front and rear of the home, offering effortless indoor-outdoor flow and unmatched access to beautiful coastal views. The entry level of the residence offers exceptional functional space, accommodating three additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a large, versatile flex room conveniently located right off the foyer. Expanding the estate's footprint for private guest hosting or flexible family arrangements, the property features an attached, multi-generational casita. Connected directly to the main home by a scenic covered walkway, this independent guest cottage is fully appointed with its own dedicated kitchen, bedroom, and full bathroom, providing ultimate comfort, independence, and seclusion for long-term visitors.

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

Lincoln Farmhouse LEED-H Platinum, Net-Positive Energy OVERVIEW. This LEED Platinum certified modern farmhouse ties into the cultural landscape of Lincoln, Massachusetts - a town known for its rich history, farming traditions, conservation efforts, and visionary architecture. The goal was to design and build a new single family home on 1.8 acres that respects the neighborhood’s agrarian roots, produces more energy than it consumes, and provides the family with flexible spaces to live-play-work-entertain. The resulting 2,800 SF home is proof that families do not need to compromise on style, space or comfort in a highly energy-efficient and healthy home. CONNECTION TO NATURE. The attached garage is ubiquitous in new construction in New England’s cold climate. This home’s barn-inspired garage is intentionally detached from the main dwelling. A covered walkway connects the two structures, creating an intentional connection with the outdoors between auto and home. FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY. With a modest footprint, each space must serve a specific use, but also be flexible for atypical scenarios. The Mudroom serves everyday use for the couple and their children, but is also easy to tidy up to receive guests, eliminating the need for two entries found in most homes. A workspace is conveniently located off the mudroom; it looks out on to the back yard to supervise the children and can be closed off with a sliding door when not in use. The Away Room opens up to the Living Room for everyday use; it can be closed off with its oversized pocket door for secondary use as a guest bedroom with en suite bath. NET POSITIVE ENERGY. The all-electric home consumes 70% less energy than a code-built house, and with measured energy data produces 48% more energy annually than it consumes, making it a 'net positive' home. Thick walls and roofs lack thermal bridging, windows are high performance, triple-glazed, and a continuous air barrier yields minimal leakage (0.27ACH50) making the home among the tightest in the US. Systems include an air source heat pump, an energy recovery ventilator, and a 13.1kW photovoltaic system to offset consumption and support future electric cars. ACTUAL PERFORMANCE. -6.3 kBtu/sf/yr Energy Use Intensity (Actual monitored project data reported for the firm’s 2016 AIA 2030 Commitment. Average single family home is 52.0 kBtu/sf/yr.) o 10,900 kwh total consumption (8.5 kbtu/ft2 EUI) o 16,200 kwh total production o 5,300 kwh net surplus, equivalent to 15,000-25,000 electric car miles per year. 48% net positive. WATER EFFICIENCY. Plumbing fixtures and water closets consume a mere 60% of the federal standard, while high efficiency appliances such as the dishwasher and clothes washer also reduce consumption rates. FOOD PRODUCTION. After clearing all invasive species, apple, pear, peach and cherry trees were planted. Future plans include blueberry, raspberry and strawberry bushes, along with raised beds for vegetable gardening. The house also offers a below ground root cellar, built outside the home's thermal envelope, to gain the passive benefit of long term energy-free food storage. RESILIENCY. The home's ability to weather unforeseen challenges is predictable - it will fare well. The super-insulated envelope means during a winter storm with power outage, heat loss will be slow - taking days to drop to 60 degrees even with no heat source. During normal conditions, reduced energy consumption plus energy production means shelter from the burden of utility costs. Surplus production can power electric cars & appliances. The home exceeds snow & wind structural requirements, plus far surpasses standard construction for long term durability planning. ARCHITECT: ZeroEnergy Design http://zeroenergy.com/lincoln-farmhouse CONTRACTOR: Thoughtforms http://thoughtforms-corp.com/ PHOTOGRAPHER: Chuck Choi http://www.chuckchoi.com/

The Abraham Knowlton House (c. 1725) was nearly demolished to make room for the expansion of a nearby commercial building. Thankfully, this historic home was saved from that fate after surviving a long, drawn out battle. When we began the project, the building was in a lamentable state of disrepair due to long-term neglect. Before we could begin on the restoration and renovation of the house proper, we needed to raise the entire structure in order to repair and fortify the foundation. The design project was substantial, involving the transformation of this historic house into beautiful and yet highly functional condominiums. The final design brought this home back to its original, stately appearance while giving it a new lease on life as a home for multiple families. Winner, 2003 Mary P. Conley Award for historic home restoration and preservation Photo Credit: Cynthia August

A gracious 11,500 SF shingle-style residence overlooking the Long Island Sound in Lloyd Harbor, New York. Architecture and Design by Smiros & Smiros Architects. Built by Stokkers + Company.

Alison & Eric have been my clients for almost 5 years. We began working together , shortly after they purchased their home. About a year later, when Alison was pregnant with their first child they reached out to me to design the nursery & transform the garage into an office/ lounge. Later we did a total makeover in their living room, and recently I completed the nursery for their newest addition the the family. For me, as a designer with a great passion for the home, I absolutely love to be able to build long term relationships with the people I work with. Seeing my clients grow and transform and being there to ensure that their spaces, the backdrop of their lives, continue to nourish & inspire them. Photography by Roberto Garcia

For our full gut renovation of this Manhattan loft penthouse, we partnered with architecture firm Todd Zwigard Architects. Many of our clients know us as experts in the full design-build approach, where we handle every aspect of the project. But in this case, architectural plans were already drawn, the full schedule was finished, and our clients needed a partner to execute on the architectural plans – enter Gallery. Construction management is as vital to a project as the design phase, so we’re happy to offer our expertise in this type of scenario. A DIFFERENT APPROACH Construction and design are often the face of most renovations, but the planning and follow-through are naturally just as necessary to make it all come together. The project itself was a fairly straightforward gut renovation of the loft. Everything was included: new floors, a new kitchen, new bathrooms, new lighting. Our task was to manage every aspect of the construction, ensuring that the planning work of Todd Zwigard Architects was executed to the exact vision imagined for this Manhattan loft renovation. CONTEMPORARY GOES ECLECTIC Although we didn’t contribute to the aesthetic of the interior design in this project, we did carry out the plans that brought it life. The tone was very modern, with some eclectic touches. The kitchen, featuring an island with a baby blue lacquered finish, blends contemporary clean lines into an industrial-tinged, almost futuristic aesthetic. Reclaimed wooden doors and art pieces collected throughout the years are an ode to the client's travels, an artistic touch from Todd Zwigard Architects. LET’S TALK Quality of work is of course important, but there are several components of construction management that are equally vital: communication; processes that make sure you're able to adhere to schedules; protocols with both safety and communication. You might say this is the nerding out of the construction process. It’s not often the face of a project, but it’s absolutely massive in terms of carrying out a successful renovation, whether it’s a penthouse loft in Manhattan, a condo in Prospect Heights, or a kitchen in a Brooklyn brownstone. Quality construction management is probably one of the biggest ways to separate professional contractors from those who aren’t. ART FROM CHAOS This was such a large project, so our ability to procure and source all the finishes and fixtures was hugely important to our clients. The sheer number of floors, tiles, and plumbing fixtures alone that need to be ordered, in addition to everything else, plus figuring out lead times, shipments, deliveries, and inspections. It can quickly become chaotic, but there’s an art to the planning and organization, and we’ve mastered it. The larger a project is, the more likely that havoc will rear its head. The antidote is not only really proper planning and construction management, as we achieved in this Manhattan loft penthouse renovation, but also a great working relationship with everyone else involved in the project: contractors, architect, and clients alike. GET IN TOUCH Is a loft renovation in New York in your future? We’re experts in renovating New York homes, from apartment combinations in managed buildings to kitchens and bathrooms in co-ops and condos to gut renovations of historic spaces and landmark renovations. ‍ Contact us to learn more about our approach as a design-and-build firm, where all aspects of your project are handled under the same roof. In addition to construction management, you’ll get our in-house architect in-house and the added renovation benefits of experts in design, material selection, and paperwork.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Storage was extremely important for this project because she wanted to go from keeping everything out in the open to have everything tucked away neatly, and who wouldn’t want this? So we went to work figuring out how to hide as much as possible but still keep things easy to access. The solution was two pullouts on either side of each vanity and a flush mount medicine cabinet above, so plenty of storage for each person. We kept the layout pretty much the same, but just changed up the configuration of the cabinets. We added a storage cabinet by the toilet because there was plenty of room for that and converted the tub to a shower to make it easy to use the space long-term. Modern day conveniences were also installed, including a heated towel bar, a lower threshold cast iron shower pan with sliding barn door shower door and a flip down shower seat. The house is a classic 1950’s midcentury ranch so we chose materials that fit that bill, and that had a bit of a Scandinavian vibe, including light maple Shaker door cabinets, black hardware and lighting, and simple subway tile in the shower. Our client fell in love with the white Macauba quartzite countertops in our showroom, and we agree they bring a perfect earthy energy into her space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Dawn Jackman For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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