Architecture Firm: Kennerly Architecture & Planning
Location: San Francisco, CA
Photography: Joe Fletcher and Bruce Damonte
Tucked alongside a historic former union hall in the Mission District, this new three-unit building offers a warm and sophisticated presence while respecting the older neighborhood fabric.
A courtyard in the middle gives the townhouses plenty of light and air, with gracious entries and views. The building cantilevers out over the driveway it shares with the union hall, reinterpreting the historic building’s traditional bay window in a contemporary manner.
The main entrance, which cantilevers out over the driveway and shares an entry court and stairs leading to separate flats with the union hall.
The stairs in the centre of the townhouse lead to the three units of the building and are composed of wood and concrete steps with steel railings.
A courtyard in the middle gives the townhouses plenty of light and air, with gracious entries and views.
A light-filled open layout of living, dining, and kitchen in “garden house” unit. The fixtures are made of natural wood, glass and steel. The large sliding floor-to-ceiling door leads to a garden area.
The “street house” unit also offers an open concept living, dining, and kitchen. The materials used emphasize contemporary design. The large windows flood the room with natural light.
The “sky house” in the third unit has an open layout as well, with clean-lined kitchen fittings and rustic dining that extends all the way to the ceiling. It also features a terrace with views of the street and nearby residences.
A street house unit has clean-lined kitchen fittings and a dining room. The kitchen island was framed by the light wood staircase.
The dining and kitchen area in the sky house unit has a light blue wall built-in cabinets, and the mix of green and dark brown in the island contrasts nicely. Natural wood flooring that extends all the way to the ceiling complements the wooden dining area.
An inventively designed floating staircase with hardwood steps and a glass railing. The artworks decorate the area.
The bedrooms are on the second floor, with huge glass windows providing plenty of light and air, as well as a view of the adjacent houses.
The use of grey and white in this bathroom creates a modern look. The white alcove bathtub contrasts with the black wall, and the walk-in shower is surrounded by glass with pebble floors. The ceilling is dark and white in color.
The street facade of the new three-unit building tucked alongside the mission district offers a warm and sophisticated presence while respecting the older neighborhood fabric.
The floor plans of the three-unit building.
The section plans of the three-unit building.