In 1962, Roger Lee crafted a house that would stand the test of time. Fast forward to its recent purchase by the current homeowners, who saw potential in its nearly original state, despite the lack of upkeep over the years.
The homeowners, with an eye for the beauty beneath the dated materials and finishes, approached Klopf Architecture for a complete overhaul. They aimed to not just modernize the home but to do so in a way that resonated with Lee’s original vision, especially since the house held historical significance. Klopf, aware of the strict design review by the Stanford Real Estate Office, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
Originally, the house was a product of its time – modest in scale, with smaller rooms and limited views. Klopf’s vision was to adapt it for a modern family of four, requiring a full house remodel and a significant addition. The result? An airy, family-friendly space, now boasting an extra 1,100 square feet, with spectacular views of the southwestern hills.
One of the first changes was addressing the unsightly, cracked pool dominating the backyard. Teaming up with Outer Space Landscape Architects, Klopf transformed the space into a relaxing outdoor area, blending patio spaces with native landscaping. The new design not only expanded the living space but also enhanced the view from the house, which originally offered only glimpses of the beautiful surroundings.
Klopf’s redesign opened up the home to its natural setting. New, taller windows in the primary bedroom and office replaced small openings, aligning with the angled roof and almost spanning the entire rear facade. These windows, designed by Western Windows, featured unique operable casements, rising with the roof’s slope. A new corner office in the primary suite now offers a bright, functional workspace with panoramic views.
Downstairs, the former pool room was repurposed into a cozy family room and guest suite, complete with full-width glass sliders opening to a new patio. The back deck, once a mere access point, was reimagined as an inviting outdoor living space, complete with a pergola for shade and improved access to the redesigned lower level.
Inside, the team revitalized the original Malm fireplace, fitting it with a gas burner for environmental compliance, and set it against a backdrop of Heath accent tiles. The living room was further brightened with larger windows and sliders, blending seamlessly with the new outdoor area.
The once-secluded kitchen was opened up and extended, creating a more connected and spacious layout. A new breakfast nook and an outdoor grill area further enhance the family’s dining experiences.
In the rest of the house, Klopf expanded bedrooms, added a laundry room and half-bath, and transformed the carport into a garage, increasing storage space. To honor the home’s history, they replicated the exterior siding, restored a stained-glass window at the entrance, and used interior design elements outside.
Today, the house stands as a proud embodiment of Roger Lee’s vision, modernized for contemporary living while maintaining its historical essence. It’s a testament to Klopf Architecture’s ability to balance the old with the new, creating a space that’s both respectful of its past and perfectly suited for today’s lifestyle.
Photos by Mariko Reed