Project: Mid-Century Modern View House
Architecture: Klopf Architecture
Project Team: John Klopf, AIA and Angela Todorova
Landscape Architect: Outer Space
Landscape Contractor: Roco’s Gardening and Arroyo Vista Landscaping
Contractor: Flegels Construction
Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed
Location: Redwood City, California
Year completed: 2014
Klopf Architecture, along with Outer Space Landscape Architects and Flegels Construction, has masterfully renovated a classic 1950s mid-century modern house originally designed by Ellis Jacobs, an apprentice of the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright. Situated in Redwood City, at the core of Silicon Valley, this single-family home spans 2,000 square feet, not including the garage, and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The renovation project aimed to enhance the original design by creating a more open and cohesive flow between spaces while boosting the home’s energy efficiency. The modifications capitalized on the house’s panoramic views and introduced a refined outdoor living area, elevating the overall quality of the residence. The house’s original post and beam structure and iconic concrete block fireplace were preserved, maintaining its architectural integrity. However, the interior was significantly updated, especially the kitchen and bathrooms, to improve functionality and modern appeal.
In the 1960s, the original owners, emotionally connected to the property, constructed the home themselves with exposed concrete blocks and framing, giving it a distinctive industrial feel. Notable personal touches included historical newspapers and a heartfelt letter found within the walls, penned by a young girl detailing the self-built nature of the home. Although a master suite, also designed by Jacobs, was added years later, it remains uncertain if it was self-constructed by the owners.
The new owners appreciated the home’s original charm but desired a more polished interior. Klopf Architecture responded by insulating the walls and roof, updating the heating system, and enhancing the interior surfaces, often covering the exposed concrete to create a smoother aesthetic. The exterior remained true to its mid-century roots, only undergoing necessary repairs and aesthetic enhancements.
Significant changes were made particularly to the rear of the house, where the glass wall pattern from the master suite and living room was extended into the kitchen. This adjustment improved the connection to the new landscaped outdoor living area and maximized the impressive views of the Peninsula and San Francisco Bay. The kitchen now opens more fluidly into the living room, fostering a more integrated living space that beautifully merges indoor and outdoor environments.
