Classic Eichler renovated into a naturally-cooled home that blends indoors and out

Klopf Architecture recently remodeled a classic Eichler mid-century home, honoring the iconic home’s style while expanding it to suit the needs of the new homeowner.

Working alongside Arterra Landscape Architects and Flegel’s Construction, Klopf opened the home to the surrounding landscape. The airy pavilion-like renovation provides the best of indoor and outdoor living, and allows the home to be naturally cooled by California’s breezes.

When the homeowner discovered the property, she saw potential, but the existing structure was in bad shape. She turned to John Klopf, founder of Klopf Architecture, because of his experience with Eichler homes. Originally, the home was constructed of two “boxes” which contained the private areas of the home. These boxes were connected by a central glass living space.

The original glass walls were replaced with Nanawall panels, which can be opened and closed to bring the outdoors in. Because the home’s yard became such an important part of the home’s design, the landscaping was created to feel like an extension of the interior, with a fountain, concrete bench wall and natural, clean landscaping.

The homeowner loved the home’s original fireplace, but it interfered with the clean view that the open area provided. To provide a compromise that worked for both the design and the homeowner’s desires, the fireplace was reimagined as a fire pit outside and it now anchors the outdoor living space without obstructing the light.

The roof was altered to extend into the yard, providing shelter outdoors and further bluring the line between inside and out. The home has no cooling system, since the ability to open and air the home provides all the cooling needed. All of the lighting is LED and the home was re-insulated to reduce the need for heat, which is provided by radiant in-floor heating.