- Project: Sonoma Pool House and Guest House
- Architect: Klopf Architecture
- Location: United States, Sonoma, California
- Year: 2016
- Photography: Mariko Reed
Blending mid-century modern elegance with flexible, contemporary living, the Sonoma Pool House and Guest House by Klopf Architecture serves as a serene extension of the main residence. Drawing inspiration from Mies van der Rohe’s iconic Barcelona Pavilion, the design is both minimalist and multifunctional—crafted to harmonize with the natural surroundings and provide a private, stylish retreat for visiting family and guests.
A Pavilion-Inspired Extension of the Home
As part of a broader master plan that included renovations to the main house, a new pool, and an art studio, this structure was envisioned not just as a standalone guest house, but as a vital connector between architecture and landscape. The semi-retired homeowners, now empty nesters, wanted a versatile space—a quiet place for daily leisure and a welcoming spot for their children and grandchildren to return to.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
The flat roof and horizontal lines of the structure mirror the pool’s linear design, reinforcing a visual and spatial rhythm. Oversized pocketing glass doors blur the line between indoors and outdoors, opening the interior living space directly onto a cedar deck and adjacent concrete patio. The extended roof with deep overhangs creates shade and comfort during Sonoma’s warm afternoons, while maintaining the visual clarity typical of modernist principles.
Material Warmth Meets Modern Minimalism
The exterior is wrapped in horizontal cedar siding, providing a warm contrast to the structure’s clean lines and concrete elements. Inside, polished concrete floors deliver a durable, cool surface that flows seamlessly from interior to exterior, reinforcing continuity between the guest house and surrounding landscape.
A covered patio, connected via a walkway to the main house, becomes a natural gathering point for family, shielded by generous overhangs and featuring a double-sided fireplace that warms both the outdoor seating area and indoor living room. At night, this zone transforms into a cozy social space ideal for entertaining or quiet retreat.
Flexible Living for Family and Guests
Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, the interior includes a full-sized bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and an exterior shower for post-swim refreshment. Smart shading and deep roof extensions ensure thermal comfort and privacy without compromising views of the lush, landscaped yard.
The guest house is more than an accessory dwelling—it’s a multi-functional sanctuary. It now serves as an extra bedroom, retreat, and social space where multiple generations gather. The architectural language respects the mid-century modern legacy of the main home while enhancing everyday living with contemporary solutions.
