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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Potrero House in San Francisco, California by Cary Bernstein Architect (designed using AutoCAD)November 5th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Cary Bernstein Architect This project involved the renovation and expansion of an old cottage on a triple-wide lot in San Francisco. The project was completed in two phases marking the personal trajectory of the client’s life from bachelor to father of three. Early strategic and functional interior renovations were followed by a third-floor addition with comprehensive interior, exterior and landscape improvements.
 FACADE (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)
When our client purchased the property, the integrity of the original cottage had suffered a series of haphazard additions over a 100-year period. The mandate for all new work was fourfold: expand the house while staying within the existing footprint to protect the mature gardens; preserve the charm of the existing building’s “ad-hoc” character and best of its original details; integrate a modern architectural vocabulary with the older construction where new construction occurs; and build sustainably. The new architecture reasserts the cottage’s unique identity by fluidly knitting together a modern vocabulary of open interiors, connection to the outdoors and contemporary materials with the endearing and quirky characteristics of the original building such as its mid-lot siting, irregular footprint, randomly distributed glazing and rough-sawn paneling.
 GARDEN BENCH (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography) Innovative structural details – such as a the use of a new steel trellis and garden shed as an external “drag strut and anchor” – provided necessary seismic reinforcement while minimizing invasive changes to the older shell. Replacing the aging shingles with new FSC-certified cedar siding was an opportunity to improve the shear, insulation and waterproofing performance at the exterior while preserving the significant original details: the variegated pattern of the new siding recalls the existing interior wood paneling, adding a subtle historic texture to the new profile of the expanded building.
 LIVING STAIR (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography) The third floor expansion provided an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and employ sustainable materials. A new, hydronic radiant heat system is spatially and mechanically efficient, helping to preserve toriginal interior by removing ducts and chases. The introduction of operable, high-performance wood windows and the open vertical core of the central stair increase natural daylight and ventilation, while reclaimed wood floors from a 19th century barn add a warm patina consistent with the original cottage.
 STAIR ELEVATION (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography) Interior glass panels at the stair rails and entry canopy provide a light and planar contrast with naturally figured finishes. Stone slabs used in the fireplace surround and counters are solidly vernacular while their square-edged profiles are decidedly modern. Rhythmic and refined metal railings, trellis details and chimney cladding provide a crisp counterpoint to the natural wood and stone forms.
 LIVING-LIBRARY (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography) A minimal architectural & interior palette emphasizes the visual connection between interior and exterior, green gardens and blue sky. A unified design vocabulary acts as a datum for registering shifting sunlight throughout the day. Furnishings combine refurbished and reupholstered family items that support sustainable reuse with new modern pieces such as a sculptural, custom-fabricated walnut kitchen island, geometric breakfast table, mid-century chairs and iconic fabrics. The integrated architectural and interior design engenders sophistication and playfulness, creating a portrait of this modern family in its early years.
 LIVING-KITCHEN (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  DINING (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  KITCHEN (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  KITCHEN (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  WINDOW SEAT (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  DECK-GARDEN (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  ENTRY SIDING DETAIL (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  TRELLIS-SIDING DETAIL (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  TOPDECK (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  RESIDENCE-BEFORE (Images Courtesy Cesar Rubio Photography)  SITE PLAN
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