- Project: Palo Alto Eichler Remodel
- Architect: Klopf Architecture
- Location: United States, Palo Alto, California
- Year: 2013
- Area: 220 m2
- Photography: Mariko Reed
With this full remodel of a mid-century Eichler home in Palo Alto, Klopf Architecture has crafted a tailored living space for a dynamic family of four, two live-in nannies, and a schedule full of unpredictability. This thoughtful redesign transforms the 2,375-square-foot structure into a light-filled, flexible home that leverages the original Eichler DNA while upgrading for durability, energy performance, and 21st-century living.
Adapting the Eichler Framework for a Family-Oriented Lifestyle
Chosen for its expanded size—thanks to past additions—this Eichler was in poor condition when the owners purchased it. The remodel required a complete interior gut, including a new roof, electrical, mechanical systems, and rebuilds of improperly constructed additions.
Klopf retained the iconic indoor-outdoor qualities of the Eichler plan while modernizing and reorganizing the interior for privacy, flow, and multitasking. Super-insulated construction eliminated the need for air conditioning while improving comfort year-round.
Light-Filled Great Room with Flexible Public Zones
Walls were removed and skylights added to create a spacious great room that unifies the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, opening to the landscaped backyard and patio via sliding glass doors. The kitchen was relocated and reoriented, now featuring a central eat-in island, while the old breakfast nook was converted into a built-in banquette with storage.
A smart solution was introduced in the TV room—adjacent to the kitchen—where custom sliding panels hide the screen. When the TV is in use, the panels close off the sunroom behind, forming a third public living space, adding function without compromising flow.
Private Spaces Reimagined for Comfort and Care
Klopf carefully restructured the private zones to meet the needs of the full-time residents and their live-in caregivers:
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A converted garage became a comfortable guest suite for one nanny
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A fully remodeled hallway bathroom serves the second nanny and the children
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The master suite was fully reimagined:
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The old bath became a walk-in closet
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A new bathroom was inserted into the footprint of the former study
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The bedroom itself was reoriented to open to the side yard, adding light and privacy
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All of the prior additions were rebuilt to proper standards and integrated seamlessly into the home’s new spatial logic.
Materials and Indoor-Outdoor Harmony
The remodel emphasizes the connection to nature that defines mid-century design. The open layout is surrounded by glass walls and sliding doors, encouraging constant engagement with the outdoors. The breakfast nook features large windows overlooking the garden, reinforcing daily rituals with a view.
Material selections are clean, modern, and durable for a busy household, yet warm and welcoming. The continuity of finishes and clean lines ensures a calm backdrop for the family’s energetic lifestyle.
The Palo Alto Eichler Remodel by Klopf Architecture is a rare example of modern family life embedded into mid-century architecture. Flexible, functional, and richly connected to its surroundings, this home proves that timeless design can evolve to meet modern demands without losing its core spirit.
