Project: Schindler Residence
Architects: SAC Studios
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Photographs: Kat Alves
The Schindler Residence by SAC Studios is a sensitive restoration and expansion of a mid-century modern home located on a corner lot near the top of Potrero Hill, overlooking downtown San Francisco. Originally designed by F.J. McCarthy, the house was conceived to capture natural light on every floor while framing panoramic city views. Through thoughtful interventions and a deep respect for the past, the renovation doubles the living space and revives the modernist character of the original design.
Preserving a Modernist Legacy
The original Schindler Residence was a modest two-bedroom house known for its clean lines and intelligent orientation. It welcomed light from all sides, and its west-facing façade featured wooden crank louvers to shield interiors from the harsh afternoon sun. Over time, however, the structure required both restoration and modernization. SAC Studios approached the project with precision and care, ensuring that every modification preserved the home’s modernist spirit. Moreover, their design intent was to retain the integrity of McCarthy’s concept while enhancing livability for a contemporary family.
Restoration and Expansion
In accordance with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Historic Preservation, SAC Studios carried out a meticulous expansion that doubled the square footage of the Schindler Residence. Two additional bedrooms were introduced, transforming the property into a three-story family home. Importantly, the architects maintained a delicate balance—adding new spaces without erasing the soul of the original dwelling.
To achieve this, the design established a continuous dialogue between old and new elements. While the restored wings reflect the home’s historical roots, the new interventions embrace natural light, modern materials, and openness. Consequently, every floor now connects directly to the outdoors, reinforcing the home’s long-standing relationship with light, air, and landscape.
In addition, SAC Studios introduced strategic skylights and large windows to enhance daylight penetration. As a result, light gently washes through the spaces, shifting in tone and intensity throughout the day. This dynamic interplay between architecture and light redefines the home’s atmosphere.
A Contemporary Home with Historical Sensitivity
The renewed Schindler Residence stands as a thoughtful blend of preservation and progress. By weaving contemporary details into a historically sensitive framework, SAC Studios created a house that feels both timeless and new. Furthermore, the project exemplifies how restoration can elevate—not merely replicate—the essence of an existing structure.
Ultimately, the residence embodies the firm’s core philosophy: merging function, beauty, and respect for context. The result is a serene urban sanctuary that celebrates San Francisco’s architectural heritage while offering modern comfort. With its light-filled interiors, layered textures, and seamless transitions between inside and outside, the Schindler Residence continues to define a living dialogue between past and present.
