Location: Diamond Heights, San Francisco, California

Project size: 2,300 square feet

Program: The project is a restoration of and addition to a three-story residence that was significantly damaged by a 2013 fire. The need for extensive rebuilding prompted the owner to reimagine the existing two-bedroom house. The city required that the front facade be restored to its original 1911 appearance, however, the owner requested a more contemporary design for the interior and rear facade.

Solution: The new design is based on an open floor plan. Spaces are organized around a central stair, which carries continuously from the basement to the upper floor. A new addition at the upper two floors projects over the rear yard. The existing punched windows were replaced by a narrow-profile aluminum window-wall system, which offers sweeping views of Mt. Davidson and Glen Canyon Park to the South.

The design is intended to minimize energy loads. The wall and roof assembly is highly insulated. The radiant floors are heated by an electric boiler that will eventually be connected to a solar roof. The house is also connected to a domestic battery backup, which will reduce or eliminate dependency on the power grid once the solar roof is on line.

Construction and materials: The structure comprises steel moment frames with wood framing, constructed on top of concrete piers. Sections of the neutral white interior walls are punctuated with niches for displaying artwork. Paintings, ceramics, and sculptures are supported by valley oak slabs individually chosen by the design team and milled by the general contractor.

Additional Information

Completion date: January 2018

Gross square footage: 2,300 square feet