- Project: Mid-Century Modern Renovation
- Architect: Klopf Architecture
- Location: United States
- Year: 2022
- Photography: Mariko Reed
Klopf Architecture has reimagined a custom mid-century modern home into a residence that harmonizes the spirit of its architectural roots with the functional needs of a modern family. Completed in 2022, the project emphasizes heritage, livability, and contemporary comfort, resulting in a home that balances tradition with innovation.
Respecting Heritage, Enhancing Function
The clients wanted to refresh their mid-century modern home while integrating new programmatic elements. Key goals included:
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Clarifying and enhancing the entry sequence.
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Creating a connection between the detached garage and main house.
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Adding practical spaces such as a mudroom and laundry room.
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Expanding and remodeling the primary suite’s bathroom and closet.
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Designing an outdoor living space with a fire pit and kitchen.
Klopf Architecture approached the renovation with deep respect for the original design, ensuring that every update maintained the spirit and language of mid-century modernism.
The Garage-to-House Connection
One of the project’s main challenges was designing a seamless link between the detached garage and main house, which sat at different elevations due to the sloped site.
Instead of creating a purely utilitarian connection, the architects crafted an intentional architectural intervention that contributes to the overall design language.
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A pinch point in the plan, where geometries converged, became a hinge moment—turning a potential flaw into a defining feature.
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The connection now serves as a transition space and a design highlight, unifying the home while improving everyday circulation.
Outdoor Living and Views
The existing outdoor area was underutilized due to its location and geometry. Klopf Architecture introduced strategic openings and spatial interventions to:
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Strengthen the visual and physical connection to the rear deck.
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Introduce natural light into previously shadowed areas.
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Transform the backyard into a deliberate extension of the living spaces.
The result is a reimagined backyard that features an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and gathering spaces, now central to the family’s social and daily life.
Interiors and Functional Additions
Inside, Klopf Architecture created new functional areas while maintaining clean lines and mid-century proportions:
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A mudroom and laundry space improve convenience without disrupting aesthetics.
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The primary suite was expanded into a serene private retreat, with an updated bathroom and spacious closet.
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Circulation spaces were clarified to improve the entry sequence and flow of the house.
Through these interventions, the home feels both authentic to its mid-century origins and adapted to contemporary needs.
Outcomes and Lasting Impact
The renovation not only preserved the character of mid-century modern design but also introduced functional improvements that elevated the home’s livability.
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The garage connection streamlined daily routines.
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The expanded suite created a retreat-like sanctuary.
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The outdoor kitchen and fire pit became focal points for family gatherings and entertaining.
This thoughtful transformation demonstrates Klopf Architecture’s ability to balance technical precision with design sensibility, respecting history while addressing the needs of modern life.
The project exemplifies how mid-century modern homes can evolve without losing their soul. Klopf Architecture’s sensitive renovation showcases how heritage and contemporary living can coexist, creating a residence that supports the everyday rhythms of family life while celebrating architectural integrity.
Photography © Mariko Reed
