I'm always interested in finding good examples of inviting modern environments. One of the biggest misconceptions of modern design is that modern is cold. I'm going to generalize a bit here, but a good portion of the US population equates modern design with either International Style/Bauhaus or some awful ultra suede upholstered furniture that happens to have chrome legs. To me, modern design has to do with modern sensibilities, well designed objects & interiors that use natural materials, applied or fabricated using modern techniques.

I recently had an opportunity to tour a newly completed home by San Francisco based Mark Brand Architects that exemplifies this idea of warm modern.

The newly constructed residence incorporates stacked stone, cedar, and stucco in the front elevation to create a cohesive and simple design statement. The home, although modern, follows the SF vernacular architecture of the marina style walk up with a contemporary version of the Italianate bay window. The materials of this home are what really drew me in. The recut cedar siding used on the exterior of the building is stunning.

The interior of the home features smooth walls, Teak wood floors & stainless steel trim. There are two master suites that offer private patios to take in the panoramic bay view from the upper
floor. The kitchen offers a simple and clean layout with a generous center island topped off with a polished granite top. The cabinets are custom made from steamed beech wood with stainless steel pulls.
The kitchen is good sized without becoming a trophy kitchen.

Another interesting feature of the home was how the ground floor was excavated beyond the perimeter, creating light wells that illuminate what would normally be a dark ground floor. The image
below of the ground floor bathroom is a good example of the light wells' use.

Stairs leading from ground floor to the first floor at the rear of the property.

The terraced garden.

The home rounds out at approximately 3,100 sq ft. However, the square footage distributed amongst the three floors, gives the house a very humane scale. The rooms are comfortable, without seeming
too large. I could definitely see an Eames lounge & ottoman in a corner just waiting for the new owners to relax in their warm modern homes.

Architect: Mark Brand Architecture
www.markbrandarchitecture.com
Project Designer: Diarro Foster
Location: Noe Valley, San Francisco

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