Levis Residence, a remodel of a 1950 San Francisco Flat in Noe Valley San Francisco. The challenge was to gain more space without adding square footage for a working couple with a small son. As a result no space was unused, efficient and beautiful built-in storage was created, and the outside became the extension of the interior space.
Creating an ensemble of interior and exterior spaces transforms what was an inward house into an open yet intimate space for the family. A second skin of screens and louvers mediates the heat of the Palo Alto Summers.
Most of the work on this typical Ranch style house in Northern California was about improving the interior use of the house and connecting the inside to the outside.
Easy to use kitchen for all ages and abilities.
Photo credit : George Draper Photography
Visual connections to the other parts of the house allows everybody to participate.
Drawers grant easy access. Pot filler at stove avoids heavy lifting.
Drawers facing dining room include convenient beverage fridge drawer.
Curbless shower and semi recessed sink makes bathroom use easy even with a wheelchair.
Plenty of natural light and ventilation brings delight.
Toto toilet with washlet and heated seat plus a heated bathroom floor invites lingering.
This case study explores the opportunities a unit of 450 SF can offer for inspiring vitality and longevity in later years. The motivation toward taking care of one’s body, including appropriate exercise, diet and rest are designed into the apartment. A short corridor serves as a fitness station with gym flooring and work-out equipment. The kitchen is designed as a health station.
The sleeping area is a hub surrounded by possible circulation. The openings that surround this room make it alternatively connected or closed off from the rest of the unit.
The density of the space is tempered by wall openings and changes in partition thicknesses that add interest and allow for light and air circulation. A radiant-heated “warm wall” adds thermal comfort to the living space as well as the bathroom.