Search results for "Technically" in Home Design Ideas

Atherton has many large substantial homes - our clients purchased an existing home on a one acre flag-shaped lot and asked us to design a new dream home for them. The result is a new 7,000 square foot four-building complex consisting of the main house, six-car garage with two car lifts, pool house with a full one bedroom residence inside, and a separate home office /work out gym studio building. A fifty-foot swimming pool was also created with fully landscaped yards.
Given the rectangular shape of the lot, it was decided to angle the house to incoming visitors slightly so as to more dramatically present itself. The house became a classic u-shaped home but Feng Shui design principals were employed directing the placement of the pool house to better contain the energy flow on the site. The main house entry door is then aligned with a special Japanese red maple at the end of a long visual axis at the rear of the site. These angles and alignments set up everything else about the house design and layout, and views from various rooms allow you to see into virtually every space tracking movements of others in the home.
The residence is simply divided into two wings of public use, kitchen and family room, and the other wing of bedrooms, connected by the living and dining great room. Function drove the exterior form of windows and solid walls with a line of clerestory windows which bring light into the middle of the large home. Extensive sun shadow studies with 3D tree modeling led to the unorthodox placement of the pool to the north of the home, but tree shadow tracking showed this to be the sunniest area during the entire year.
Sustainable measures included a full 7.1kW solar photovoltaic array technically making the house off the grid, and arranged so that no panels are visible from the property. A large 16,000 gallon rainwater catchment system consisting of tanks buried below grade was installed. The home is California GreenPoint rated and also features sealed roof soffits and a sealed crawlspace without the usual venting. A whole house computer automation system with server room was installed as well. Heating and cooling utilize hot water radiant heated concrete and wood floors supplemented by heat pump generated heating and cooling.
A compound of buildings created to form balanced relationships between each other, this home is about circulation, light and a balance of form and function.
Photo by John Sutton Photography.

Curb Appeal: the entire front part of the property is transformed.
building Lab is a design build firm specialized in modern architecture.
Large modern brown two-story clapboard and mixed siding gable roof idea in San Francisco with a shingle roof and a gray roof
Large modern brown two-story clapboard and mixed siding gable roof idea in San Francisco with a shingle roof and a gray roof

Two Clopay Model 33 flush Luan mahogany doors with Long Panel windows provide warmth and a sleek upgrade for this in-town Austin home. The doors were finished using the Sikkens Cetol 1/23+ stain system to increase the doors' elegance and to assure that they look like new for years. (BTW, the "pea shooter" at the left door is a flag holder:-)
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The project began with the owner’s vision to create on their Atherton property a new home, reminiscent of the Mediterranean villas and gardens they loved to visit on European holidays. They wanted to create an oasis, a home that would nurture their creativity and foster a feeling of calm.
The design creates this sense of transition right as you enter the property, through a long, tree-lined driveway, thru a custom gate and into a gracious entry court. Walking through a formal entry garden, you arrive at a round entry tower, completing the transition from street to home. Separated into three primary zones, the main bedroom wing is a two-story volume anchoring one side of the center Living / Dining spaces, while the 2-story Library and Kitchen / Family Room anchor the other. All of the primary public spaces in the home are oriented toward the rear garden.
The home features 5,500 square feet of living space, a 3-car garage, a separate guest suite and private master sauna pavilion. Solar power, battery back-up, integrated building controls and on-site water storage are a few of the technical systems installed.

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse slate floor and gray floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Boston with white walls

Korean traveler fern. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.
Inspiration for an eclectic landscaping in Charlotte.

Home built by JMA (Jim Murphy and Associates). Architecture design by Backen Gillam & Kroeger Architects. Interior design by Heidi Toll. Photo credit: Tim Maloney, Technical Imagery Studios. The large-scale remodeling performed to create the Hill House entailed retrofitting the existing foundation to accommodate the engineering requirements for larger windows and lift-and-slide doors, and adding additional foundations for the screened porch. In addition, the main living area’s floor level was lowered in order to improve the view of the distant horizon while standing.

Courtesy of Formica® Group
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in New York
Kitchen - transitional kitchen idea in New York

Photo Credit: Lincoln Barbour Photo.
Interior Design: Kim Hagstette, Maven Interiors.
This is a nighttime view from the bed of this lovely master suite.

Bob Fortner Photography
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized country master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and brown floor freestanding bathtub idea in Raleigh with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops
Freestanding bathtub - mid-sized country master white tile and ceramic tile porcelain tile and brown floor freestanding bathtub idea in Raleigh with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

New skylights are double insulated with safety glass. The challenge was the technical work required to install a vaulted skylight.
All new trims, baseboards and doors in the redone living room. All new, modern lighting was installed.
Heated du chateau flooring was added.
Bruce Damonte Photography

THEME The main theme for this room
is an active, physical and personalized
experience for a growing boy. This was
achieved with the use of bold colors,
creative inclusion of personal favorites
and the use of industrial materials.
FOCUS The main focus of the room is
the 12 foot long x 4 foot high elevated
bed. The bed is the focal point of the
room and leaves ample space for
activity within the room beneath. A
secondary focus of the room is the
desk, positioned in a private corner of
the room outfitted with custom lighting
and suspended desktop designed to
support growing technical needs and
school assignments.
STORAGE A large floor armoire was
built at the far die of the room between
the bed and wall.. The armoire was
built with 8 separate storage units that
are approximately 12”x24” by 8” deep.
These enclosed storage spaces are
convenient for anything a growing boy
may need to put away and convenient
enough to make cleaning up easy for
him. The floor is built to support the
chair and desk built into the far corner
of the room.
GROWTH The room was designed
for active ages 8 to 18. There are
three ways to enter the bed, climb the
knotted rope, custom rock wall, or pipe
monkey bars up the wall and along
the ceiling. The ladder was included
only for parents. While these are the
intended ways to enter the bed, they
are also a convenient safety system to
prevent younger siblings from getting
into his private things.
SAFETY This room was designed for an
older child but safety is still a critical
element and every detail in the room
was reviewed for safety. The raised bed
includes extra long and higher side
boards ensuring that any rolling in bed
is kept safe. The decking was sanded
and edges cleaned to prevent any
potential splintering. Power outlets are
covered using exterior industrial outlets
for the switches and plugs, which also
looks really cool.

Neil Landino
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor home design design in New York with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, limestone countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island
Example of a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor home design design in New York with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, limestone countertops, beige backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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

Highly complex triangular corner wine room in a penthouse. Located in the center of the living room, this element provides a unique glow and ease of wine access. The wood finishes match the rest of the home and and the racking combines a mix of wood, acrylic, and metal perfectly illuminated. Cooling unit is covered by a perforated wood technical ceiling. Jewel of the home!

Behind a glazed pocket door, the mudroom features a chic flower arranging room with crimson shelving and cabinetry, stone countertops, a nickel sink with hammered finish, and a traditional gantry pulldown faucet. Woodruff Brown Photography

Melissa Oholendt
Example of a large minimalist carpeted and white floor living room design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace
Example of a large minimalist carpeted and white floor living room design in Minneapolis with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace
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