ARCHITECTURE
ORANGEVALE
Architects : John Klopf and Geoff Campen , Klopf Architecture Clients : Declined to be disclosed
PHOTOS BY MARIKO REED COURTESY OF KLOPF ARCHITECTURE
When clients reached out to John Klopf and Geoff Campen of Klopf Architecture for help designing a home , they had been living on their semirural property in Orangevale for many years . They had recently become empty nesters and were ready for a change . The original plan was to remodel the existing bedroom wing and living areas of their traditional home , but the concrete slab was deemed too thin . To get the modern home they wanted , the project required a complete teardown .
The lot is dotted with centuries-old oak trees and a seasonal creek ; connecting to that was paramount . The architects ’ goal was to design multiple seating options that would smartly blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living , while also preserving privacy . “ There was a balance that had to be struck between privacy and connecting to the outdoors ,” says Klopf . “ We used large glass expanses but also added a solid wall across the front that blocks a lot of the direct view into the house and still allows for an open plan with a continuous wall of glass .” A metal-framed trellis topped with a canvas cloth was artfully designed to help diffuse the direct sun and create a comfortable outdoor space in front . Deep , modern overhangs add protection in the rear .
“ From a pure lifestyle element , modern homes , by nature , are fairly exposed . It ’ s very much about living simultaneously inside and outside with nature . Just because our front door is closed doesn ’ t mean we are not still living with nature on all sides ,” the homeowner says . “ It ’ s beautifully transparent .”
The homeowners — a professional baker and a television producer — also really liked wood and desired a lighter species to express a warm and casual modern . In keeping with that mandate , the architects selected hemlock — a locally sourced and available wood — for the interior ceiling , which also extends to the exterior overhangs , creating a seamless modern look . The floors are a durable white oak , and salvaged reclaimed wood was added to the face of the island .
A large great room with sealed concrete floors and soaring hemlock and engineered wood-beamed ceilings preside over the open kitchen , dining and family room space . An expansive kitchen with professional-grade appliances , oversized pantry and walnut chopping block provide the space and amenities for the homeowner to practice her craft . “ We went back and forth with the homeowner on the kitchen design quite a bit to make sure it met her needs ,” says Campen . “ Cooking and baking are very integral to her career and her life .”
78 comstocksmag . com | January 2021