Project: Pinales House
Architects: Schwartz and Architecture
Project Team: Wyatt Arnold, Christopher Baile, Ania Burlinska, Laura Huylebroeck
Contractor: A L Martin Construction, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Gregory Paul Wallace, SE
Metal Fabrication/Installation: D&T Structural Steel, Inc.
Location: San Francisco, California
Year: 2019
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte
Text by Schwartz and Architecture
The bones of this 1908 Glen Park home had been compromised by years and years of awkward remodels. The front door led directly to the private bedroom level, while the public gathering spaces were one-level down, with the main staircase nearly dropping you into the existing kitchen. Potentially spectacular views of an existing mature redwood tree and broad city views beyond were entirely ignored and inaccessible.
We first unraveled the knot of the plan with a new split-level entryway and connecting stair. We then opened up the rear of the home to the views, using the huge backyard conifer as design inspiration for a perforated steel guardrail connecting the new interior and exterior space seamlessly. A lower expansion connects the home to the yard and alleyway garage entry.
The Pinales House is indicative of the scale of remodel many young families can consider; a scale at which strategic design choices are key to discovering the unrealized potential of the home and site.
