When it comes to small spaces every inch counts! The key to making them work is to think of traffic flow, and how you’re going to arrange furniture for ease of access and comfort. This gives credence to the form over function motto! For this project we knew we were expanding the indoor outdoor flow by removing a wall of the house, creating a pocket door, so the interior living room was going to merge perfectly with the new exterior living room. The first element of the design we worked out was a built-in Banco seating around a central fire pit, with cushions and exterior fabrics, that even has a one piece cover that can snap in place. This will protect the fabrics in place while the couple travels, without having to drag them through the house to the garage for storage. The second critical factor of the design was implementing an outdoor kitchen just off camera, built-in to a patio Column, so that it becomes a serving bar and the appliances are behind the bar not out in the public space. Across the water, the vanishing edge spa was the visual draw, reflecting a fruitless olive tree, all enjoyed from the fire pit seating area. The back edge of the pool features a knife edge tile to granite interface without a coping, to minimize the line between water and landscape. Last but not least, the sweeping arc curvature of the pools leading edge was done so as to ease traffic flow from the entertaining and fire seating area to the spa, and to soften the otherwise rectangular lines of the yard.

The existing entry hall was narrow, and uninviting. The front porch was bland. The solution was to expand the entry hall out four feet with a two story piece that allowed for a new straight run of stairs, a larger foyer at the entry door with sidelights and a fanlight window above. A Palladian window was added at the stair landing with a window seat.. A new semi circular porch with a stone floor marks the main entry for the house. Existing Dining Room bay had a low ceiling which separated it from the main room. We removed the old bay and added a taller rectangular bay window with engaged columns to complement the entry porch. The new dining bay, front porch and new vertical brick element fit the scale of the large front facade and most importantly give it visual delight!

This custom-fabricated industrial beverage center is engineered as a high-end, functional hub for entertainment. Built upon a heavy-duty, dark welded steel skeleton, the console features warm, solid wood side panels and a substantial wood countertop that anchors the industrial aesthetic. Designed for peak performance, the console integrates professional-grade beverage appliances directly into its frame. It features stainless steel under-counter refrigeration units on the far left and far right, along with a central, illuminated wine cooler. The cooling units are expertly integrated with custom-welded steel door frames featuring industrial expanded metal mesh, which adds raw visual texture and ensures proper ventilation for the appliances. A sleek, integrated beer tap tower on the countertop completes the setup, making this a sophisticated and highly specialized piece for any home bar or entertainment space.

The existing entry hall was narrow, and uninviting. The front porch was bland. The solution was to expand the entry hall out four feet with a two story piece that allowed for a new straight run of stairs, a larger foyer at the entry door with sidelights and a fanlight window above. A Palladian window was added at the stair landing with a window seat.. A new semi circular porch with a stone floor marks the main entry for the house. Existing Dining Room bay had a low ceiling which separated it from the main room. We removed the old bay and added a taller rectangular bay window with engaged columns to complement the entry porch. The new dining bay, front porch and new vertical brick element fit the scale of the large front facade and most importantly give it visual delight!

The owner wanted to change the interior of their home from mid-90s transitional to a French/Tuscan eclectic/farm/rustic look. She had a photo of the perfect look, so we incorporated elements from the picture in different ways. Adding reclaimed wood to the family room opening, and repeating the element on the custom range hood, adding stone veneer and a banquette to the turret-shaped breakfast nook, wrought iron details, a hint of cerulean blue in the open cabinet sections, rustic random size tile floor, and other visual elements. Custom color paint and glaze cabinetry provides a serene background. We needed to make space for a lot of appliances--Sub Zero 36" all-refrigerator, Sub Zero drawer freezer (island), oven, steam oven, warming drawer, microwave and coffee system--didn't allow for much cabinetry in the room, so we made every inch count in the kitchen, and expanded the pantry to a walk-through, and included a mini office.

Joseph Eichler developed his moderately priced houses for the mass-market starting in 1949. His homes were designed using affordable materials and simple construction techniques. Nearly 70 years later these homes are in need of updating and remodeling an Eichler home today can become an imposing and costly project if you’re not careful. For this project the clients, who had undergone several previous house renovations, were determined to stick with an established budget from the beginning. Klopf Architecture helped them modernize their Eichler with a premium appearance on a reasonable budget. The clients challenged the Klopf team to create a design that had a high-end feel and nicely done while adhering to their budget. That meant not all of the initial project scope could be built. Like many other Eichler homes, the original floor plan did not meet the family’s needs leaving them feeling disconnected from one room to another. While an early goal was to expand the house into a carport and create a larger garage, it did not survive the contractor pricing phase of the project. The goals that did survive through to the end of the project included blurring some of the boundaries and opening up some of the spaces, making them more functional and creating a smoother flow in the house. The Klopf team joined the former separate kitchen and formal living room into one large space and shift the dining room where it is now connected to the kitchen. Klopf swapped the family room to the front alongside the living room, so the spaces feel more cohesive and are now better suited for family activities. The functional layout of the master bathroom was changed to include a large, curbless shower. Installing a complete IKEA kitchen including cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings was key to staying within budget. Bath fixtures in this house are also exclusively IKEA. Klopf Architecture has designed many homes using IKEA products, which are quite compatible offering an affordable, contemporary take on Eichler homes. The clients saved additional money from the simplicity and availability of IKEA products and by orchestrating the orders and purchases themselves. Following each construction meeting, the clients would make a run to IKEA and purchase items, pick up needed spare parts, and bring them back right away to stay ahead of the contractor’s schedule and minimize the chance of delays and bottlenecks. Klopf balanced material selections by retaining some of the original woodwork and simply refinishing the mahogany paneling. They were able to retain the original windows and sliding doors which were still in good shape, avoiding some of the most costly replacement expenses. Additionally interior doors were simply refinished and the exterior siding cleaned up and repainted. Formerly dark interiors are now illuminated with new slimmer semi-recessed lighting eliminating the need for costly roof work. Attention to design details allowed the Klopf team to ensure the house ended up with a high quality feel. Key visual elements were strictly aligned and Klopf worked with the clients to select a unified materials palette throughout the spaces so the house flows seamlessly together. Aligning the tile layout with the trusses and keeping it level with the concrete slab outside allowed them to achieve a level of quality that may otherwise be missed. The clients were able to keep their budget on track by determining clear goals and making critical decisions upfront, choosing materials and furnishings wisely, working with the right design and construction teams in place and to a large part, their willingness to participate throughout the process. In the end the clients were much happier with their reconfigured Eichler home and Klopf Architecture managed to keep their remodeling costs to about $325/sf – a good amount below the average Bay Area Eichler remodel. Project Team: John Klopf, Angela Todorova, Sherry Tan Contractor: Keycon Construction Structural Engineer: Sezen & Moon Photography: Sabrina Huang Year Completed: 2020

Oak wood cabinets went against the grain for this homeowner. Previously, the former kitchen yielded a yawn-worthy amount of neutral sub-par wood grains. Now, the new remodel is enveloped in warm, inviting taupe hues. Going from woodgrain to flat color instantly infuses a clean, fresh palette. The combination of flat color in a warm tone offers the same warmth of wood. From traditional to a modern minimalist sensibility, the homeowners refaced existing cabinets in Prestige Statesman Beaded Edge style doors are accented with satin nickel hardware. Additionally, the homeowners knew refacing was an excellent choice. Refacing offers a quicker solution to transform sturdy existing cabinetry to a brand-new effect. As for the countertops, Cambria Quartz in Brittanicca brings a fresh, rich effect with a simple cream swirl to coordinate perfectly with the stone-hued cabinetry. A round over edge brings a minimalistic look to make a designer statement. The Brittanicca pattern in engineered quartz suggests the look of marble yet offers significantly more durability and antimicrobial properties. Meanwhile, a solution for the underused space over the kitchen radiator was needed, adding that the area now serves as a highly functional pantry. The custom pantry was the "icing on the cake," particularly with glass front doors, to create a focal point. In all, the design choice also works to expand the kitchen visually.

Multiple gables, a center dormer with arched clerestory window, and a striking front staircase create visual excitement for this three bedroom coastal home. Vaulted ceilings in the foyer and great room highlight a dramatic second floor balcony that connects the two upstairs bedrooms, each with its own bath and private porch. The great room is generously proportioned with built-ins on either side of the fireplace and access to a spacious rear deck, which expands the room even more. Private back porches enhance the dining room and the master suite as well. The master suite boasts his and her walk-in closets and a magnificent bath with dual vanities, a garden tub, and separate shower.

Set on a narrow hillside lot overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Point Richmond, California, Bay Heirloom is a Mid-Century Modern family home restored, modernized and adapted for contemporary living. Oriented south-southwest toward the Marin Headlands, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the residence captures shifting Bay light throughout the day, from fog-muted mornings to vivid, glowing sunsets. The home was built by Karlyn Neel’s grandfather, the owner of the construction company Flo-Crete, one of the Bay Area’s early concrete pumping firms. Flo-Crete completed the foundation and structural concrete work, with family photographs documenting the original cinderblock walls and pours. The firm also contributed to major regional infrastructure projects, including the Transbay BART tube and Candlestick Park, situating the house within a broader legacy of Bay Area construction. Growing up, Neel spent considerable time in the home, developing an early appreciation for mid-century modern principles. Instead of parting with this family heirloom, she purchased the home from her grandfather’s estate. While her grandfather continued to live in the Point Richmond house, Neel purchased a Mid-Century Modern residence in Palm Desert. In contrast to the Bay Area’s cool temperatures, salt air, and persistent winds, the desert home is shaped by heat and sun and requires a different material response. A substantial renovation she led there emphasized thermal performance, filtered light, and restrained detailing. The experience later informed the restoration of her Bay Area family home. What began as a modest Mid-Century Modern update expanded when decades of exposure to marine conditions revealed leaks and significant structural and seismic deficiencies. Neel was determined to honor her grandfather’s perseverance and without hesitation pivoted to a much more intensive project. Addressing these challenges required close coordination between Neel, Klopf Architecture and Kasten Builders, with architectural restraint and construction precision guiding each intervention. Rather than alter the home’s defining features, the project focused on reinforcing the structure from within. Discreet beams were embedded along the rear facade and in an upstairs wall, strengthening the building while maximizing the wall of glass facing the Bay and opening the wall between the kitchen and the living space. These structural interventions allowed the space to open fully to the Bay without visual interruption, with the kitchen repositioned as the social and functional core of an open, continuous living space. The building envelope was updated using weather- and corrosion-resistant materials appropriate to the marine environment. The house unfolds vertically from the street, beginning with a modest garage level and workshop, with the main living spaces located below. Original slate flooring at the entry was preserved, along with select furnishings and artwork collected by Neel’s grandfather, anchoring the restored interior in its past. A restrained palette of black accents and pale, natural finishes replaces darker wood tones, reinforcing openness and calm. A naturally illuminated stair connects to the lowest level, where a former basement was transformed into a guest suite and family room opening onto a deck. From there, steps lead directly to a small concrete boat ramp at the water’s edge. Throughout the project, decisions were guided by continuity rather than transformation for its own sake. Lessons drawn from both desert and coastal climates informed a material strategy rooted in performance and restraint. Bay Heirloom stands as a measured evolution of a family house, structurally renewed and carefully modernized, grounded in the discipline and care that first shaped it. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Angela Todorova and Fernanda Bernardes Landscape Architect: Huettl Landscape Architecture General Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography: ©2025 Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022 Location: Point Richmond, CA

This garage addition and rehabilitation of a mid century modern home expands and enhances the original while respecting the scale and low, linear feel. All exterior finishes are updated with the exception of the stone. A new entrance creates layers of screening to invite inquiry as well as create privacy and a sense of place. The garage is downplayed with dark materials to allow it to recede relative to the main house, which is deliberately brighter, warmer, and varied to remain the visual focus. Lead Designer - Alex Jenkins Designer - Valerie Wright Photography - Steve Edgar

Sommerhus is a private retreat for two empty-nesters. The clients purchased the previous cabin after falling in love with its location on a private, lakefront peninsula. However, this beautiful site was a challenging site to build on, due to its position sandwiched between the lake and protected wet land. The clients disliked the old cabin because it could only be used in the summer months, due to its lack of both insulation and heat. In addition, it was too small for their needs. They wanted to build a new, larger retreat, but were met with yet another constraint: the new cabin would be limited to the previous cabin’s small footprint. Thus, they decided to approach an architect to design their dream cabin. As the clients described, “We visited Denmark for a family wedding in 2015, and while biking near Gilleleje, a fishing village on the Baltic Sea, we fell in love with the aesthetic of ‘Sommerhus’: dark exteriors, clean, simple lines, and lots of windows.” We set out to design a cabin that fit this aesthetic while also meeting the site’s constraints. The clients were committed to keeping all existing trees on their site. In addition, zoning codes required the new retreat to stay within the previous cabin's small footprint. Thus, to maximize the square footage of the cabin without removing trees or expanding the footprint, the new structure had to grow vertically. At the same time, the clients wanted to be good neighbors. To them, this meant that their cabin should disappear into the woods, especially when viewed from the lake. To accomplish both these requests, the architect selected a dark exterior metal façade that would visually retreat into the trees. The metal siding is a modern, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution, especially when compared to traditional wood siding. Warm wood on the soffits of the large roof overhang contrast with the metal siding. Sommerhus's resulting exterior is just as the clients’ requested: boldly modern yet respectful of the serene surroundings. The homeowners desired a beach-house-inspired interior, full of light and warmth, in contrast to the dark exterior. As the homeowner explained, “I wanted it to feel like a porch inside.” To achieve this, the living room has two walls of sliding glass doors that connect to the wrap-around porch. This creates a beautiful, indoor-outdoor living space. The crisp and bright kitchen also connects to the porch with the window that opens to an outdoor counter - perfect for passing food and drinks to those lounging on the porch. The kitchen is open to the rest of the first-floor entertaining space, and brings a playful, beach-house feel to the cabin. After the completion of the project, the homeowners remarked, “Working with Christopher and Eric [of CSA] was a wonderful experience. We absolutely love our home, and each season on the lake is more special than the last.”

Nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool with raised spa, sunshelf, slide, grotto, and pizza oven (September 2013) – Ask the Pool Guy and his team at Legendary Escapes recently unveiled the newest Legendary Escape, a stunning nautical-themed hybrid swimming pool. The hand-carved concrete waterfall, rock slide, and grotto are the focal point of this incredible project, and designer and builder Al Curtis has truly outdone himself this time. Behind the waterfall sits a grotto that seats 8-10 people comfortably. The waterfall, slide, and grotto area come complete with intricate details and additions that perfectly play into the project’s theme. An immense amount of creativity, talent, and skill is required to take ordinary materials like vinyl and concrete and turn them into the outstanding backyards that Curtis creates, but these details allow his creativity to shine in a different light. Curtis immerses himself completely in just one or two projects at a time, which allows him the opportunity to add those intricate details that take his extraordinary projects to the next level. Some of the details in the grotto area of this hybrid project include real ship portholes that open and close, as well as carvings and lanterns to add visual interest inside of the grotto. The project also includes a raised spillover spa and a sunshelf with a bubbling water feature. The sunshelf has steps leading into the main body of the pool, giving swimmers an easy entry point if they don’t feel the urge to jump off the top of the waterfall or take a ride down the hand-carved, hand-tiled slide. The shelf has just enough water to allow shallow wading or lounging, and the pebbled finish provides a perfect place to set a lounge chair without worrying about damaging the vinyl liner. With the spa nearby, this whole end of the pool is perfect for relaxing, talking, or watching the kids while they swim. This incredible hybrid swimming pool also includes a poolside pizza oven, so fresh, stone-fired pizza is never far away. The brick oven can cook a pizza in about 90 seconds, and produces authentic, outstanding pizzas. The homeowners have spent years perfecting their pizza crust and sauce recipes, as well as growing their own tomatoes and basil. The pizza oven adds another element of their own personality, and makes this project even more perfect for them. With a built-in countertop, it’s easy to get a couple of pies going at one time, or to prep ingredients for personal pizzas. The homeowners are very family-oriented and love to have friends and family over to their home. During the construction process, the Legendary Escapes crew met several friends and family members who stopped in for some quality time and to check out the progress of the pool. The finished product is a perfect place for entertaining, and it feels very comfortable and welcoming. With the sunshelf, spa, grotto, poolside seating, and the pool itself, there are plenty of different places to sit or soak and have conversations or splash around. Curtis is incredibly proud of this project, and he has high hopes for it. He was recently named a Master of Design by Pool & Spa News for a hybrid swimming pool he built in Brighton, MI. This new, nautical hybrid pool fits in beautifully with his portfolio, but also stands out as extraordinary. The team at Legendary Escapes anticipates positive feedback and recognition for this project, and looks forward to building more swimming pools that push the envelope and wow clients and fans.

Casual yet elegant, the Etra Collection by Modern Outdoor offers a modern aesthetic that is constructed for outdoor use while being suitable for indoor settings. Etra’s visual inspiration is derived from its architectural-based frame system. Designed using structural angle steel that is mitered and ground, a clean and seamless surface gives Etra its pure appeal. Frame Options: • 304 stainless steel that is brushed and electropolished • marine-grade 316 stainless steel that is brushed and electropolished for use within one mile of salt air, available for an upcharge • powder coated carbon steel in our standard silver finish • custom powder coat colors, available for an upcharge Surface Options: • sustainably harvested ipe – a beautiful South American hardwood that is three times as dense as teak — naturally resistant to rot, insects, UV exposure, ice, salt, abrasion and splintering – all without the need for toxic chemicals — considered a 25+ year wood • marine-grade polyboard – a UV stabilized high-density polyethylene material that is non-corrosive and chip resistant – available in six colors for expanded design choices Fabric Options: • six standard colors of 100% solution dyed acrylic treated for outdoor use are offered • custom fabrics and COM service are also available Cushion Options: • our standard foam cushions are made from outdoor appropriate high-resiliency (HR) foam • for clients that prefer less maintenance, a flow-through foam that allows water and moisture to escape the cushion is also available for an upcharge Etra is a full-breadth line with dining, bar height, lounge, cafe, patio and pool setting pieces included. The pieces are readily customizable for individual client needs.

2011 CHRYSALIS AWARD WINNER, ADDITION $100,000-$250,000 The owners of this small rambler in Arlington were tired of living in cramped quarters. The home’s kitchen was only 8’ x 11’ and they wanted to add a family room. Because the home is built on a slab, with no basement, the decision was made to expand out into the backyard. Their contractor, Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes, proposed an addition to back of the home, which would also be built on a slab to match the existing elevation. To make room, they had to remove the home’s original patio and then remove the 30’ wall running across the back of the home. In their place, a new 16’x32’ addition was built with high cathedral ceilings, skylights and French doors topped with arched transoms. An archway and decorative columns were put in place to connect the old and new areas. The new kitchen starts in the old kitchen area and wraps its way into the new addition, ending with a large two-tier island and prep sink topped with exotic granite. The main sink is in the corner of the old kitchen, easily accessible from both ends of the work area. Beautiful custom-made cabinets include a wooden range hood and floor-to-ceiling pantry with wine rack. Stainless steel Energy Star appliances include a professional-quality gas cooktop and double wall ovens. The kitchen flows into the new family room via an open concept design. A beautiful floor-to-ceiling natural stone fire place located in the middle of the back wall serves as a visual separation for the space. A round window is uniquely embedded in the stone work near the ceiling. Wide plank oak flooring runs the length of the room, providing a uniform look throughout the space. Opposite the kitchen is the home’s new family room, with comfortable leather seating and plenty of windows to brighten up the space. A new stone patio off the kitchen provides the finishing touch to this remodel. In the end, the project provided the homeowners with the space they wanted and plenty of amenities to make family time or entertaining guests a pleasure.

Adding storage to a tiny bathroom is one of the best ways to hide clutter. It also creates a visually larger, more expansive bathroom. This bathroom vanity features smart drawers and shelving that make use of every square inch in the cabinet. Nothing brightens and expands a small space better than a mirror. This vanity set includes a mirror to add style and also create a bigger bathroom effect. The single/double sink elegant bathroom vanity set has ample storage capacity and high-cost performance which fits perfectly with any bathroom decor. Features: Soft-closing doors and drawers prevent slamming Full-width storage shelf, ideal for towels and accessories Rectangular and practical white ceramic vessel sink Dove-Tailed Drawers Brushed nickel handles/hardware Constructed of high-quality oak wood Rich and durable finish Dripless edge profile

This loft living room combines modern functionality with cozy sophistication, featuring a stylish sleeper sofa that maximizes space without compromising comfort. A rich, moody palette of deep browns and blacks adds warmth, while a textured accent wall enhances depth and character. The sleek coffee table, layered textiles, and sculptural décor create an inviting yet refined atmosphere. Thoughtfully placed ambient lighting, from earthy table lamps to contemporary pendant planters, softens the space, adding balance and warmth. A full-length mirror expands the room visually, reflecting natural light for an airy feel. The plush area rug and woven accents bring a touch of organic texture, complementing the modern loft aesthetic. Designed for both style and practicality, this loft living room offers versatile seating, elegant storage solutions, and a sophisticated ambiance. Whether used for everyday lounging or accommodating guests, the blend of warm neutrals, bold textures, and thoughtful details makes this space effortlessly functional and inviting.

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

This custom-crafted industrial console combines rugged mobility with premium mixed-material design. Built on a heavy-duty dark welded steel skeleton frame and set on durable locking casters, the unit is easily positioned to suit any space. It is crowned with a rich, solid wood countertop and features matching solid wood side panels that introduce an organic warmth to the strong metal architecture. The highly functional storage layout centers around an open shelving bay positioned directly above a solid wood drawer. This central section is flanked by two large cabinet compartments, each secured by custom doors featuring industrial expanded metal mesh inserts. These mesh panels offer bold visual texture while providing excellent airflow for electronics. Every door and drawer front is meticulously encased in a custom-welded steel frame and fitted with sleek dark hardware and prominent exterior barrel hinges, emphasizing the premium craftsmanship of this versatile piece.

In January 2025, Rampart Garage Doors completed a sleek patio-to-living-space conversion in Carmel Valley by installing three contemporary Full View doors from AlumaDoor. These doors enclosed a previously open, covered patio—transforming it into a fully usable, light-filled space while preserving outdoor views and modern aesthetic appeal. Each door featured bronze anodized aluminum frames paired with clear glass panels, offering a clean, contemporary look that complements a range of architectural styles. To maintain a cohesive visual finish, we powder-coated the tracks and key hardware elements to match the frame color. The two opposing doors were engineered with staggered track heights using different radius lift tracks—allowing both to open simultaneously without interference. The primary access door was motorized with a LiftMaster 98022 Jackshaft opener, delivering smooth, side-mounted operation perfect for high-traffic or multifunctional spaces. This installation not only expanded the homeowner’s functional living area but also added year-round flexibility and architectural polish to their Carmel Valley home.