- Project: San Carlos Midcentury Modern Remodel
- Architect: Klopf Architecture
- Location: United States, San Carlos, California
- Year: 2016
- Area: 2186 m2
- Photography: Mariko Reed
What was once a dark and maze-like 1960s modern home, obscured by plywood-covered glass walls and oversized awnings, is now a light-filled, contemporary residence designed by Klopf Architecture. Transformed for two professionals and their young son, this single-family home celebrates openness, nature, and the minimalist ethos of modern living.
Opening Up the Layout for Light and Life
The original layout featured convoluted hallways, blocked windows, and a tiny entry that disconnected rooms and light. Klopf Architecture recognized immediate potential in the space and worked closely with the new homeowners to reinvent it—without altering the footprint.
The design team reorganized the living spaces, merging the old kitchen and unused living room into a bright, unified kitchen–dining–living area. The former family room became an office, while the original kitchen location now hosts a utility core with pantry, laundry, and mechanical systems.
Redefined Entry and Skylit Living Spaces
The former gated and dim entry area was opened up with sidelites and clerestory windows, creating a more welcoming arrival experience. Skylights were strategically placed throughout the house to illuminate deeper interior zones, including the kitchen and primary bath, reducing the need for artificial lighting and adding dynamic daylight movement throughout the day.
In the bedroom wing, Klopf introduced a walk-through closet and a skylit bathroom to redefine the master suite into a peaceful, light-filled zone. The master bedroom now opens to a landscaped courtyard by Growsgreen, buffered from the street for privacy and serenity.
Modern Materials and Comprehensive Upgrades
The renovation was extensive. The construction team stripped the house to the studs, installing:
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All new electrical, plumbing, radiant heating, and insulation
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A new roof and Western windows and doors
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Smooth stucco and sealed western red cedar siding
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Concrete patios and hardscaping to support indoor-outdoor living
Interior finishes are minimalist and consistent throughout: IKEA cabinetry with custom faces, Heath tiles in bathrooms, Daltile flooring, and painted drywall unify the visual language of the house.
Indoor Meets Outdoor Through Thoughtful Design
One of the most powerful design moves was the removal of the previous owner’s plywood wall coverings and awning, allowing the introduction of large windows, folding glass walls, and wide sliders that connect indoor spaces to exterior rooms and patios.
The result is a seamless transition to the lush, layered landscapes designed by Growsgreen. Whether inside or out, the family enjoys spaces that feel tranquil, natural, and modern—perfectly balanced for everyday living and relaxation.
The 1960s Modern Home Remodel by Klopf Architecture is a shining example of how modern architecture can respect the past while transforming the future. Through intentional design moves, minimalist finishes, and deep connections to nature, the home becomes a peaceful modern haven for a growing family.
