Duncan Pl

Palo Alto, CA

GMJ Construction partnered with the acclaimed Klopf Architecture to breathe new life into an original Eichler on Duncan Place. The goal: enhance the home’s openness and natural light while preserving its mid-century DNA. This remodel was about volume, flow, and indoor-outdoor harmony—a subtle yet transformative approach that respected the original lines while updating the experience for modern living.

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Project Challenges

  • Structural Roof Alteration: Raising a roof within Eichler design parameters required precision and creative engineering.

  • Seamless Integration: New windows and layout changes had to blend with existing post-and-beam construction.

  • Light Flow: Maximizing light while keeping energy efficiency and privacy in balance.

Objectives

  • Create a brighter, more open interior that still felt like an Eichler.

  • Reconfigure the layout for more usable space and sightlines.

  • Improve connection between indoor and outdoor areas, while upgrading materials throughout.

Results

  • Elevated Space: Quite literally—raising the roof transformed how the home feels and functions.

  • Enhanced Natural Light: Strategic glazing brought in light from multiple angles throughout the day.

  • Refined Flow: An open layout that invites movement and connection between zones, while honoring mid-century roots.

Solutions & Strategy

  • Roof Elevation:

    • Raised the ceiling line in the main living area to introduce vertical volume and enhance airflow.

    • Added clerestory windows to bring in light from above without compromising privacy.

  • Layout Rework:

    • Opened walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas to create a cohesive flow.

    • Relocated structural elements where needed to support the new plan.

  • Window & Door Upgrades:

    • Installed floor-to-ceiling glass sliders and new windows throughout to strengthen the indoor-outdoor connection.

    • Upgraded to energy-efficient, aluminum-framed windows in a style consistent with the original architecture.

  • Finish Work:

    • Chose light oak flooring, white-on-white interior paint, and minimalist lighting to emphasize brightness.

    • Custom flat-front cabinetry and quartz counters for the kitchen and baths, balancing warmth and utility.

“This is everything we loved about our Eichler—but better. It’s brighter, more open, and incredibly livable. GMJ and Klopf worked so well together—we felt like every detail was thought through and executed beautifully.”