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A long fence built from Colorbond standing-seam metal panels shields the home from the busy street.

The home’s exterior went from beige to dark green, and a new matching fence encloses a patio. The house numbers are from HEWI.

The architect used horizontal slats for privacy, but alternated them on the fence and second-floor deck to allow sunlight and breezes through. Solar panels atop the roof heat the water; a green roof is in the process of growing in. The project was awarded Green Renovation of the Year and Best Housing Detail at the 2009 Ottawa Housing Design Awards.

In the back, ivy climbs across the garage’s raw cedar cladding next to a gate that allows access to the laneway—but the boys prefer to climb the fence.

Cox says he and Persin “went on an ipe run” after committing to the material for the deck, using it to build the slatted fence around the backyard. Rainbow Warrior New Zealand flax, a perennial, complements the material, while off-the-shelf pavers helped keep costs down.

Trellis-like balcony railing cue the exposed timber frame extending over the house. The balcony and fence are made from sustainably harvested ipe wood.

The once-sloping space now has climbing vines, a slatted fence, and foxtail agaves.

Entry

The 1,570 square-foot home's entryway features a slatted fence that diffuses light and adds privacy to Eichler's original design. Photo by: Scott Hargis

The property's former Spanish hacienda-style, red-tile roof has been replaced with a contemporary metal one as part of the renovation.

The post-and-beam construction has a dramatic carport entrance which showcases the home's clean, midcentury lines.

MYD Studio updated the exterior with a mix of black and white siding. They expanded the master bedroom on the second level and remodeled the den on the first floor into an additional bedroom. A new "black box" addition houses a third bedroom.

Wexler thought steel was a good material for desert building. He told the Los Angeles Times: “With steel you get clean, sharp lines that will look good forever. Nothing can destroy it. Nothing can affect it.”

The home's exterior has a fresh coat of paint, a new modern fence, and beautiful landscaping.

The second floor houses a 900-square-foot apartment that can be kept separate from the main floor residence for rental purposes or can be connected via a door. "In what had been an attic for storing fan belts and auto supplies, we created a large open apartment with full bath and kitchen," says McCuen.

Designed by architect Claude Oakland, this 1969 home is one of just a handful of the Gallery Eichlers—which are also known as the "Super-Eichlers." It's located in Walnut Creek’s Northgate enclave, which is the last tract of Eichler homes to be built in the East Bay. These models are coveted for their generous and well-designed floor plans—and 252 Clyde Drive is no different.

Love Eichler homes, but not interested in taking on an extensive renovation? This 1957 model may be for you. Located in San Rafael's lower Lucas Valley, this 1,805-square-foot midcentury home is completely remodeled and modernized.

A post and beam entry plus a delicate brise soleil make up the entrance to 572 W Santa Elena Road.