Noe Residence in San Francisco, California by Studio VARA

Article source: v2com 

A research scientist with an eye for detail approached Studio VARA with a modest vision and a couple of basic practical needs:  First, transform a 1908 Noe Valley cottage– with a history of subpar alterations – into a cohesive modern dwelling.  Second, provide an enclosed garage in a neighborhood with tough parking.

The main facade presents a quiet, private face to the public street, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

• Architects & Interiors: Studio VARA 
• Project: Noe Residence
• Location: San Francisco, California, United States
• Photography: Bruce Damonte
• General Contractor: Dijeau Poage Construction
• Structural Engineer: FTF Engineering
• Civil Engineer: Lea and Braze Engineering
• Landscape: SF Green Spaces

The rear facade opens-up in terms of scale, massing and fenestration, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The result is a quiet house of 3500 sq. ft. with two distinct faces; one that provides privacy from urban street traffic, and another that opens up to expansive Bay views.

A folding window wall opens the living area to an outdoor deck, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The open plan allows the “public” living areas to blend into one another, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

Traces of the original cottage are preserved in the massing and circulation of the final building.  The grand stair marks the separation between public spaces to the south and private spaces to the north.  The new garage is incorporated into the “public” massing, with guest suites both above and below.

Fumed oak floors and olive ash cabinets unifies the kitchen, living and dining area into a single space, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The bent steel staircase cantilevers into the open foyer, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

To the north, the open living area at the heart of the home expands past the folding window wall to the east-facing deck beyond, where one can bask in the panoramic views of the City and East Bay, or contemplate the juxtaposition of urban and natural in the garden below.  Above this main space is the master suite, which takes advantage of even grander views through both framed openings and a lofty private deck.

A custom light fixture can be viewed from various points in the foyer, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The master bathroom features fumed eucalyptus and Carrera marble, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

From inside to outside, the architectural/engineering team provided full-services every step of the way, from initial concepts to final completion in 2013: City planning, building permits, and all phases of design and construction oversight, including architecture, interiors, furnishings, landscape, and lighting. The team consistently worked toward creating a calm and peaceful retreat, with a balance of restraint and supple details sure to be appreciated by a client with a discerning eye.

A clerestory window allows natural light to illuminate the kitchen while maintaining privacy, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

Random-matched olive ash veneer runs throughout the kitchen, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The project’s success lies in the judicious use of these carefully executed “moments” –natural wood screening at the master bedroom window which reinterprets an existing invasive tree; a wall of custom cabinetry that unifies the kitchen and living room, clad in veneer hand-picked by the client; the dance of metal and glass on the main stair guardrail; the subtle palette of “warm” mixed with “cool” that recurs in both tone and materials: wood juxtaposed with glass, metal against stone.

A view of the Bay is framed over the bath and reflected in the expansive mirror, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

A wall-to-wall vanity is cantilevered in the powder room, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

The rear yard “looking garden” is most often viewed from above, Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

Refined wood slats reinterpret the adjacent trees , Image Courtesy © Bruce Damonte

Basement Plan, Image Courtesy © Studio VARA

Level 1 Plan, Image Courtesy © Studio VARA

Level 2 Plan, Image Courtesy © Studio VARA

Section, Image Courtesy © Studio VARA

Tags: California, San Francisco, United States

Category: Residential

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 4th, 2015 at 5:24 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.