Aidlin Darling Design

Terrace House

Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography

TERRACE HOUSE

Aidlin Darling Design

CONTRACTOR
Fine European Construction

PROJECT TEAM
Peter Larsen, Sean Kakigi, Todd Aranaz

PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE
Joshua Aidlin

MANUFACTURERS
Hansgrohe, Bonelli, Fleetwood, Kohler, Toto, Vola, Sub-zero, Wolf

AREA
2820 ft²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
San Francisco, United States

CATEGORY
House

Text description provided by architect.

This dramatic remodel of a non-descript 1950s hillside residence converts a two-story structure into a three-story home for a growing family.

Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography

The home boasts contrasting but remarkable views of the city of San Francisco to the east and Sutro Tower to the west.

The front and rear facades employ 20-foot-tall, 30-inch-deep steel brise soleils to deflect light and simultaneously frame cherished views while editing out less desirable ones.

The southern and northern anchor walls are skinned with hand-troweled plaster and create visual and mental privacy from the adjoining neighboring homes.

Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography

In between these walls reside crystalline glass-and-steel exterior structures that provide the family with remarkable eastern views of downtown San Francisco and beautiful sunset views through a canopy of backyard trees.

A living roof provides ample insulation and rainwater purification as well as an inviting natural respite within the confines of an urban setting.

Sustainable design measures were applied throughout the home: high-performing roof insulation; thermally broken windows and doors; deep overhangs providing passive solar control; drought-tolerant, low irrigation landscaping.

Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography

The building footprint itself is modest and narrow, allowing for cross-ventilation enabled by operable windows and doors throughout the house.

The interior of the home is sheathed in numerous species of wood that exude visual and tactile warmth. Custom builtin furniture furthers the intimate quality within the house while maximizing function within a modest building footprint.

A biophilic ethos was paramount for the homeowners and permeates every room of the home.

Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography


Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography
Terrace House
© Matthew Millman Photography


Terrace House
Site plan
Terrace House
Plans


Terrace House
Sustainability Diagram

Aidlin Darling Design
T +1 415 9745603 F +1 415 9740849
Aidlin Darling Design
500 3rd St #410, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States