S^A (Schwartz and Architecture) has designed the complete contemporary remodel of a 1908 home in Glen Park, a residential neighborhood in San Francisco, California.
Over the years, the home had been compromised by awkward remodels, with the front door leading directly to the private bedroom level, while the public gathering spaces were one-level down, with the main staircase nearly dropping you into the existing kitchen.
At the rear of the home, potentially spectacular views of an existing mature redwood tree and broad city views beyond were entirely ignored and inaccessible.
The updated house includes a new split-level entryway and staircase, with the lower level leading down to the main social areas of the home. On the way down the staircase, there’s a platform that’s home to a casual seating area by a window.
The open plan social areas of the house include the living room, dining room, and kitchen. A black fireplace almost blends in with the black accent wall behind it.
The kitchen has been designed with a wall of white cabinetry that wraps around to become lower cabinets, while the dark countertop connects with a raised steel breakfast bar.
The dining room and living room both open to a deck with seating and views. The metal guardrail design, which flows from the interior to the exterior is inspired by the huge conifer tree outside.
Behind the guardrail inside, there’s a secondary staircase that leads down to the yard.
From this view, you can see that there’s a further living space on the lower level.
Back inside, and the stairs by the front door also lead to the upper level of the home, where there are bedrooms and bathrooms.
In one of the bathrooms, the walls are covered in wallpaper with a leaf design, while a round mirror hangs above a wood vanity with a black countertop.
In another bathroom, triangular tiles cover the walls with the dark grout used to highlight the design.
In a third bathroom, simple white rectangular tiles cover the walls, while gray triangle tiles cover the floor and wrap onto the bathtub.
The home also includes an attic that’s been furnished with comfortable low chairs, a pair of lights, a rug, and an upholstered round ottoman.
