Pacific Heights Townhouse

Project Details

Project Description

The Pacific Heights Townhouse Renovation involved updating and reconfiguring a 1906 stucco-clad Victorian. The owners wanted to maintain the building’s traditional feel, but also to infuse some modern elements, so the house would be both more livable and reflective of their personalities. They also hoped for a light-filled house that would incorporate sustainable elements. Furthermore, the original house took up nearly the entire length of its lot and the clients wanted a garden that would be accessible from the main living spaces.

To achieve these goals, Feldman Architecture placed the living areas on the top floor, where the light would be best and where, by removing a large portion of the rear space, a roof garden was created. Most of the walls were removed from this floor to create spaces that are visually connected but functionally separate.

The building is set off the south property line, which allowed the addition of numerous large windows along the length of the house. New skylights on the north side flood the interior of the top floor and the long hallway on the second floor with natural light. Open-riser stairs, a light well, and interior windows also allow light to filter down to the second floor hall.

Throughout the house modern elements are combined with the traditional in an unexpected manner. For example, a steel and glass staircase and garden wall, modern lighting, wallpaper, tile and cabinetry are set against traditional wainscoting, trim, and rustic wood floorboards.

Environmental features were incorporated from the start. They include: a solar-powered radiant heat system and a large photo-voltaic roof array to provide for the house’s electrical needs; recycled materials for insulation, floors, cabinets and countertops; certified lumber, low & no VOC caulks, adhesives and water-based coatings; tall bamboo and external sunshades on the house’s south side for passive cooling; the reduction of the size of the house by removing a significant portion of the upper floor to create a roof garden; and recycling many of the demolished parts of the house.