klopf architecture remodels eichler house in burlingame, california

klopf architecture and jesse ososki art remodel an existing eichler atrium home in burlingame, california. with the goal to preserve the eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it, the single-family house is transformed into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self.

all photos © mariko reed

the house is one of the thousands of mid-century modernist homes built by joseph eichler between 1949 and 1966 throughout north and south california. the architects’ work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. many of the original elements are kept in place such as the concrete masonry fireplace and the luan wall paneling which was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained.

the owners’ design aesthetic leans toward the scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes

kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light

back-painted soda glass in pale blue was used at the kitchen backsplash

the finish flooring is large porcelain tile in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out

the owners chose to keep some of the original eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace, the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking and the luan wall paneling

sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors installed by a previous owner were also kept in place, while grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look

project info:

architecture office: klopf architecture

project team: john klopf, klara kevane and yegvenia torres zavala

contractor: jesse ososki art

structural engineer: emmanuel pun

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom