KT Residence

The project is a restoration and addition to a residence in Diamond Heights. The front facade was significantly damaged by a fire in 2013. The need for extensive rebuilding prompted the owner to re-imagine the existing 2-bedroom, 1½-bath home. The city required that the street-facing façade be restored to its original 1911 appearance; however, the owner requested a more contemporary design for the interior and rear façade.

The new design is based on an open concept floor plan, which allows for blurring between different programs. Spaces are organized around a central stair, which carries continuously from the basement of the house to the upper floor. This staircase is sheathed in a wrapper of floor-to-ceiling low-iron glass and a delicate steel handrail, allowing clear views through the building. A skylight above the stair distributes light to all floors.

A new addition at the upper two floors projects over the rear yard. The existing punched windows are replaced by a narrow-profile aluminum window-wall system, which offers dramatic views of Mt. Davidson and Glen Canyon Park to the South.

The interior is a neutral white envelope punctuated with niches for displaying artwork. The owner eschewed furniture in favor of paintings, ceramics, and sculptures by contemporary artists. The works are supported by valley oak slabs individually chosen by the design team and milled by the general contractor.