Our latest Style Trends architect & designer profile looks at a project in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighbrohood which illustrates that when properly thought out, one can integrate two different architectural styles into one cohesive design. The existing home is in the vernacular San Franciso "marina style", built from the late 1920's up through today. One of the challenges with this style of home is the rather dark center of the house. Windows are usually only found on the front and back of the home. Schwartz & Architecture created a master suite addition that not only fits with the character of this architecturally diverse neighborhood, but also achieves two other goals of bringing additional light as well as access to some spectacular views to the new section of the home.

The addition uses natural materials such as bamboo, walnut, glass and stone to create a warm environment. Large windows are used to frame in the spectacular views of downtown San Francisco and the east bay hills. Exterior siding is also carried from the outside of the structure in. The siding is standard exterior wood siding that has been milled with a pattern of horizontal lines that complement the lines of the adjacent building tongue and groove siding. When installed inside, the re cut siding creates a rather unique interior wall treatment.

Walnut was also used in the addition, to create a seamless storage wall. The closet doors are recessed completely flush into the wall making them virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the walnut clad wall. The walnut also adds a very luxe feeling to the room when used in such abundance. The look is quite striking.

The walnut clad wall leads to the suite's bathroom which uses iridescent glass mosaics to replicate the horizontal lines found elsewhere through out the addition. The tile is complimented by the pietra cardoza used for the counter and tub surround. Another nice design element is the single glass panel used to create a simple shower screen in the tub area. All of the materials coupled with the minimalist fixtures helps to create a very sleek, yet livable space.

The new space is inviting while keeping the overall design simple and modern.

Architect: Schwartz and Architecture
www.schwartzandarchitecture.com
Principal: Neal Schwarz
Project Designer: Thomas Wright
Location: Potrero Hill, San Francisco
Photo credits: Meridith Heuer photo #3
Mathew Millman photo #1,2,4,&5

If you have a project that you would like to submit for possible inclusion in our monthly architectural profile at Style trends, please submit your information to styletrends(at)sbkinc(dot)com.