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Project Details:

Location: San Francisco, California

Architect: Ryan Leidner Architecture / @ryanleidner

Footprint: 2,500 square feet

General Contractor: DKG Construction

Landscape Design: Stephens Design Studio

Landscape Contractor: Ground Cover Landscaping

Photographer: Joe Fletcher / @joefletcherphoto

From the Architect: “Located in San Francisco’s hilly, Bernal Heights neighborhood, the Hosono House has an interesting setting in that the original structure was built at the rear of the property, giving the home a unique sense of privacy and a feeling of being a true retreat.

“While the feeling of separation created a unique sense of seclusion and sanctuary, it also presented challenges in terms of access and circulation. To resolve this, a new entry sequence was created, including a bridge which spans from the front garden, over the landscaped lower courtyard, to the new front door.

“Looking to reimagine what was a rather awkward layout, the project reorganized the spaces, creating a new entry stair and front façade with large openings offering views onto the garden. Once across the bridge, the entrance is on a half-level landing, and the main living space and kitchen are up one flight of stairs on the top floor, while the bedrooms are downstairs.

“The existing wood beams and ceiling, both historic elements worth preserving, were refinished and left exposed, while all of the original windows, floors, and finishes were replaced, creating a greater sense of material continuity throughout the house. Keeping with a subtle palette of natural wood tones and white surfaces, the house was designed to be a relaxed social space, where kids’ playtime and afternoon lounging can easily evolve into an evening dinner party.

“The interior spaces celebrate the owners’ appreciation for global design, with a mix of vintage Italian furnishings, while also being inspired by trips to Japan and the ethos of California hippie modernism.

“The dining table, a custom piece by local furniture maker Nobuto Suga, was paired with a set of vintage Tucroma Chairs by Guido Faleschini and a Locus Solus Tubular Armchair by Gae Aulenti. A new circular pivot window brings light and a sense of playfulness into the space.

“On the top floor, the kitchen and living room enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline. Custom white oak cabinetry, concrete countertops, and polished brass accents continue the material palette used throughout the house.

“Opening onto the lower courtyard at the ground level is the lounge. Inspired by the warm atmosphere of a whiskey bar in Tokyo, the floors, walls and ceiling are clad in wide-plank white oak, and a record playing station overlooks the space. A custom velvet daybed offers a place to relax and enjoy views onto the garden.

“The guest bedroom is perhaps one of more unique spaces in the house, where a textured hemp-plaster was used on the walls and ceiling, and a custom-tiled bed frame and furnishings give a nod to the history of Italian modernism.

“In the primary bathroom, Venetian plaster was used on the walls, ceiling, and floor, creating a calming space for bathing.

“On the exterior of the house, new charcoal-stained cedar siding was installed, and a copper standing-seam roof was added at the new volume housing the main stair and entrance.”