Architects: Klopf ArchitectureArea: 3230 ft²Year: 2020Photographs: Mariko Reed
Credit: Archdaily
This mid-century modern house was originally designed and built in 1962 by Roger Lee, recently went through a complete renovation and expansion. The project was completed in 2020 and the new design was created by studio Klopf Architecture.
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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.
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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. It defined the direction the family of four would take in updating the house and making it comfortable for their modern lifestyle.
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Klopf designed a full gut remodel and a 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.
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A cracked swimming pool created an eyesore taking up a majority of the backyard landscape, so the family asked Outer Space Landscape Architects 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 outback.
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The original wood-burning Malm fireplace was beautifully restored and a gas burner was 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.
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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. The 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.
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Small horizontal openings in the primary bedroom and office were replaced with much taller windows that now follow the angled roofline 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.
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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 were lost when the pool house was converted to the family and guest room.
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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.
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The new house stands proudly and shines against its 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.
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