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At the garage, “the material is the same cladding as the addition and the back of the house— Hardie Boards were applied in a totally random pattern, with the intent to paint the surface,” says Radutny. “When it was done, I was pleasantly surprised with the accidental outcome and suggested for it to be left as is. The result was rather beautiful, echoing a sense of movement as the foreground to the Elevated Train above. So, they left it, as another art wall.”

While the historic qualities of the front facade were kept, the back was given a more modern treatment. The window scheme hints at the layout within—the long windows denote where the stairs are, and the sill heights rise in accordance with the need for additional privacy on the upper floors.

A designated work space overlooks the train tracks.

The skylight allows glimpses of sky from multiple points below. The second level is dedicated to bedroom suites.

The main floor powder room is behind the wall.

The L-shaped lot—and the decision to create a private courtyard and patio—made the kitchen and dining space the natural hub of the ground floor. Sweet installed full-length cabinetry on the western wall for storage, and included a wood niche for convenience.

One of his main goals was to respect the original structure of the building and renovate it in a sustainable way with eco-friendly, recyclable materials.

A dramatic roof overhang with Douglas Fir soffits and rammed earth walls frame the entrance.

City Cabin | Olson Kundig

The contemporary home is marked by long horizontal planes and clean lines. Giulietti Schouten Architects crafted it with an eye for timeless design.

Set on an east-west axis, the home stays cool with shading south-facing glass, minimal west-facing glass, and operable windows that allow for natural ventilation. Energy recovery ventilators also bring fresh air into the home.

Two sculptural wooden chairs face a wood-burning stove.

The redesign of the staircase is a contemporary touch which could have just as easily existed in the home's original state. The wood slat screen blends with the wooden staircase and the wood ceiling opening the space and making it feel bigger—a huge improvement over the sheetrock wall that had been previously there.

The boxy, contemporary new facade was completely restructured.

SOMA Residence by Dumican Mosey Architects was an auto repair garage in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. Klari Reis and her partner Michael Isard made space for an art gallery, studio, and office in the 1923 structure, making it the perfect live/work retreat.