20TH ST.
Mork-Ulnes Architects
ARCHITECTS
Mork-Ulnes Architects
AREA
1620 ft²
YEAR
2011
LOCATION
San Francisco, United States
CATEGORY
Houses, Renovation
PHOTOGRAPHS
Bruce Damonte
MANUFACTURERS
AlumaTherm, BlueStar, Brendan Ravenhill
Text description provided by architect.
This renovation represents unconventional materials’ capacity to elevate a project otherwise constricted by a tiny budget and planning scrutiny.
With an imperative to create an impact on the exterior. But remain within the city’s preservation and zoning requirements, a matte black cladding.
Typically used on skateboarding ramps, wraps the house’s existing two-levels. The residence’s social functions are relocated into a vertical penthouse addition with sweeping views.
A hand-drilled, operable steel screen doubles as an awning and diffuses light to imbue the penthouse with a playful atmosphere.
The same hills that poise the residence to have panoramic views also create a notably steep backyard.
This sectional condition is celebrated as it enables a connection directly from the third floor to the back garden via a steel catwalk.
