This project encompassed a remodel and a small addition to an existing two-story family home in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood. Originally designed in 1917 by architect Elizabeth Austin – one of a small handful of American women architects working in the early 20th century – it was an honor to be tasked with protecting her vision, while ushering the residence into a new époque.
As a historically significant building, it is protected under a landmark preservation scheme that demanded special planning review. The team meticulously restored the facade (during the construction process, every piece of external ornament was removed, labelled, and reinstated) and conceived a series of thoughtful interventions and additions that would enrich the existing. Inside, the architects reimagined the layout to facilitate a more contemporary way of life for their clients.
As well as converting existing crawl space to habitable square footage and making additions at the first and second levels, they completely opened up the central part of the U-shaped plan and removed most of the second floor, creating a double-height dining space at the heart of the home.
Photographer: Joe Fletcher, San Francisc
