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Collection by Yama Architecture

Joan Brown's Eichler

Previously the home of the American figurative painter Joan Brown, this San Francisco Eichler home at the top of Diamond Heights was purchased by one of our long term clients who asked us to provide a new vision for the house that could be implemented in phases. The house was suffering from a lack of natural light, a funky layout, and a mishmash of finishes. The Owners challenged us to 'surprise them' with thoughtful, unexpected details. Our focus was on creating a light filled, airy space with pops of texture and geometry. One of our favorite original details is a tile mosaic of of Joan Brown's beloved cat Donald. The spirit of Joan and Donald lives on!

The design was implemented in 2 phases, using the same design and construction team. Entry, Kitchen and Dining was part of Phase One, with the remaining areas completed under Phase Two.

Overall we introduced more daylight through glass and skylights. A new landscaped front garden has an 'engawa' floating deck. The layout of the house was changed to circulate around the existing center courtyard. Existing concrete radiant floors were repaired, and resurfaced. The house now flows naturally from front to back, and there is a subtle but sophisticated palette of materials, textures and yes a few unexpected details that delight.

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Existing spiral stair up to the Master Bedroom area. The existing concrete floors were given a fresh microtopping in a neutral warm color.
Existing spiral stair up to the Master Bedroom area. The existing concrete floors were given a fresh microtopping in a neutral warm color.
view of the Kitchen from the Eucalyptus lined Pantry and Laundry area.
view of the Kitchen from the Eucalyptus lined Pantry and Laundry area.
a well lit niche with soild Walnut holds more curios.
a well lit niche with soild Walnut holds more curios.
Phase One kitchen remodel with reclaimed Eucalyptus, solid walnut, and Jura limestone. Tractor counter stools from DWR.
Phase One kitchen remodel with reclaimed Eucalyptus, solid walnut, and Jura limestone. Tractor counter stools from DWR.
master bath steam shower. the Ceasarstone statuario tiles have a random pattern that we carefully puzzled together to give the man made quartz material a natural stone look.
master bath steam shower. the Ceasarstone statuario tiles have a random pattern that we carefully puzzled together to give the man made quartz material a natural stone look.
we love integral pulls!
we love integral pulls!
master bedroom suite access via spiral stair.
master bedroom suite access via spiral stair.
the courtyard space is now the center of the house.
the courtyard space is now the center of the house.
the bedroom borrows light from the courtyard and from new skylights. the post and beam look, and exposed tongue and groove wood ceiling is a hallmark of the Eichler style.
the bedroom borrows light from the courtyard and from new skylights. the post and beam look, and exposed tongue and groove wood ceiling is a hallmark of the Eichler style.
circulation through the house now happens around the central courtyard.
circulation through the house now happens around the central courtyard.
guest room doubles as a study for the family of four.
guest room doubles as a study for the family of four.
Donald the cat lives on in the daughter's bathroom!
Donald the cat lives on in the daughter's bathroom!

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