Project: Aspetto House
Architecture: Medium Plenty
Architects: Gretchen Krebs, Ian Read
Landscape Architecture: MFLA / James Munden
Contractor: Jetton Construction
Metal Work CFM: Chris French Metal
Lighting Consulting: Pritchard Peck
Custom Plaster: SAAW
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Shade Degges
Northern California-based Medium Plenty, co-founded by Gretchen Krebs and Ian Read, is a boutique architecture and interior design practice renowned for creating spaces where every detail is carefully considered, honored, and elevated through an exploration of light, materiality, and spatial authenticity. Their latest project, Aspetto House in San Francisco, California, epitomizes their design philosophy.
A Blend of Sophistication and Warmth
Crafted for a dynamic couple passionate about the arts and their two young children, Aspetto House is a custom residence that celebrates the enduring beauty found in aged materials. Medium Plenty seamlessly integrates the notion of “beautiful decay” through the use of warm, textured materials that add richness and develop a patina over time. The result is an inviting blend of architectural sophistication and carefully curated interiors.
From Small-Scale Project to Full Rebuild
Initially, the project aimed to address water damage caused by faulty construction in the existing house. However, the scope quickly expanded into a full rebuild, encompassing new interiors, furnishings, and a fully integrated landscape design. The clients’ vision evolved into creating a “forever home” that perfectly reflected their needs and desires. The previous house was impractical for a family of four, and the new design provides a space conducive to family living and entertaining.
Maximizing Usable Space
Due to the neighborhood’s strict design guidelines, the resulting three-story house is modest in size, with every inch of usable space maximized in a bespoke manner. The design process was highly collaborative, with the homeowners actively participating, particularly in the plaster design and angular brass inlay pattern on the stone floor of the main level. The couple’s collection of Italian ceramic beach tiles influenced the color palette and inspired a custom exterior bench adjacent to the living room.
Unique Elements and Personal Touches
One of the standout features is the acoustically specialized media room designed for two-channel audio and surround sound. This room employs sound isolation measures, absorption/reflection panels, and finely tuned speakers. Other design highlights include a custom bay window nook with a resin rotating game table, a bold powder room, and a sunlit living room that seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors, offering views of the solid stone slabs that visually contain and punctuate the backyard.
A Living Canvas
Aspetto House is not only a testament to timeless design but also to sustainability. The home serves as a living canvas that richly conveys the clients’ interest in creating an environment that is truly livable and evokes a sense of history and personalized artistic expression. Every aspect of the design, from the choice of materials to the integration of the clients’ personal touches, speaks to a home that is both functional and deeply meaningful.
In conclusion, Aspetto House by Medium Plenty is a captivating blend of architectural elegance and personalized design. It stands as a beautiful, timeless residence that perfectly meets the needs of its inhabitants while celebrating the unique beauty of aged materials and thoughtful design.
