A contemporary residence in the historic urban fabric of San Francisco

On a long, narrow lot in San Francisco's Marina District, local firm Michael Hennessey Architecture designs two-unit residential building to complement the continuous façade of early 20th century period buildings on Franklin Street.

The language used draws on local architectural forms to settle the new building in its context.

The street front is punctuated by a grid of vertical and horizontal bands: floor-to-ceiling glass and a central bay window are interrupted by the horizontal markings of the stringcourses, while a blind band is placed at the staircase and elevator.

The corner solution used in the bay window directs the view towards the Golden Gate Bridge and helps maximize natural light within the units living spaces, while the vertical blind strip is covered with horizontal porcelain tiles that connect the building to the surrounding brick facades.

The internal front is punctuated by large low windows to ensure privacy from neighbouring buildings. A cedar wood cladding in contrast with raw concrete walls and a graphic assembly of floor-standing stoneware cladding characterise the inner courtyard.

The walnut wood used for the floors and furnishings brings warmth and comfort to the rooms while vertical light wells are created to bring natural lighting deep into the heart of the building.