553 Elizabeth

Project Details

Project Name
553 Elizabeth
Location
San Francisco
Project Types
Single Family
Shared By
John Lum Architecture
Project Status
Built
Style
Modern

Project Description

This previously dilapidated house with a detached, non-conforming rear cottage, was transformed into a modern, light-filled open floor plan. The house is organized around a dramatic three-story, skylit staircase that floods the interior with natural light. The stairs being clad in oak veneer plywood create a strong, sculptural presence in this otherwise simple house. The house was expanded in the rear, as well as a fourth floor, topping out at 4,456 SF of habitable space.

The main floor contains a formal living/dining room, and a great room with open kitchen with sliding doors that open onto an expansive, south-facing terrace. On the floor above are three bedroom suites, and finally the penthouse suite, that can be utilized as a secondary master suite, or a media room.

The non-conforming rear cottage was reduced and added onto, connecting it to the main house. A very unusual atrium space separates this unit from the main house, while flooding this lower area with natural light. Designed to be either utilized as a separate unit or integrated into the main house as guest quarters, the guest house features a full kitchen, and private garden space.

Designed with SF Modern as the interior designers and developer, this project yielded an astounding $1,500 a SF price recently.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ISABELLE EUBANKS

Upcoming Events

  • NeoCon 2026

    The Mart, Chicago

    Register Now
  • AI for Architects and Engineers: A Crash Course in Our Agentic Future

    CEU Live Webinar

    Register for Free
  • Design and Planning Workflows with GIS

    Live Webinar

    Register Now
All Events