Located at the end of a mid-block alley in the dense pedestrian-focused environment of Russian Hill, this project was a renovation and reimagination of an existing two-unit home built in the early 1900’s after the original structure was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. The home had primarily remained untouched in the years since reconstruction.
The vision was to design a piece of architecture that would activate the pedestrian alleyway and experience, reacting to the scale and using care in developing a suitable project in its location. The project prioritizes the conservation of an adjacent parcel and creates a connection to the landscape by combining the neighboring vacant lot with the existing property.
By maintaining the adjacent parcel and utilizing the modest existing building footprint, the project is able to achieve sweeping views of the city and San Francisco bay while enhancing the experience of occupants by maximizing access to natural light, outdoor space, and fresh air.