Schwartz and Architecture’s space-saving reimagining of a Victorian Bungalow
A young design-savvy couple called on the help of the local firm Schwartz and Architecture to envision their dream home; reimagining and restructuring a small Victorian Bungalow perched on a San Francisco slope.
Located on a narrow grid of 25-ft-wide lots, the bungalow challenged the architects to formulate a suitable solution to make the most out of the space restricted site. In the end, Schwartz opted for lifting the house up and adding three floors, enabling the addition of a slanted parking garage with space for two cars located directly underneath the property.
Schwartz’s space-saving tactic paved the way for a number of design decisions implemented throughout the home. The property’s unique ‘stadium’ stairwell was added to conceal the underlying garage’s ramp, and consequently created a secondary social seating space within the narrow living room.
‘This stair then became a leitmotif for the entire project,’ reflects lead architect Neal Schwartz. ‘We focused on a series of stairwells taking you from the lower garden level to the uppermost roof deck, treating each as sculptural objects and identifying the lowermost ones as a unified sequence through their material, rift-cut white oak.’
As per the client’s request to capture the essence of Californian living within the property, an austere and light collection of colours and materials were chosen to bring the outside atmosphere within the walls of the home. In the basement walnut adorns the ceiling, and the ground floor showcases a subtle and soft palate with context-sensitive details, such as the kitchen’s geometric tiles which were specially selected to reflect the colours of the outside greenery.
Due to the house’s dramatic restructuring of the interior programme, the ‘original’ street level now exists as the property’s second floor; the ground floor now hosting the kitchen; living room and outdoor deck and an extended barbeque area with the master bedroom situated on the second floor. Schwartz’s result is a seamless and unified living space which adheres to the small family’s wish for a private oasis in San Francisco's tightly squeezed urban landscape.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Schwartz and Architecture's website
Photography: Bruce Damonte
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condo
Construction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
By Anna Solomon Published
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furniture
Beirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
By Tianna Williams Published
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnership
The Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condo
Construction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
By Anna Solomon Published
-
A West Austin house invites you to commune with nature
Westview Residence by Alterstudio, a West Austin house among trees, makes the most of large windows and open-air decks in a verdant setting
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Apple’s new Miami store employs the principles of biophilic design
Apple’s first mass-timber store connects shoppers to nature while echoing the Art Deco architecture of Miami
By Anna Solomon Published
-
The World Monuments Fund has announced its 2025 Watch – here are some of the endangered sites on the list
Every two years, the World Monuments Fund creates a list of 25 monuments of global significance deemed most in need of restoration. From a modernist icon in Angola to the cultural wreckage of Gaza, these are the heritage sites highlighted
By Anna Solomon Published
-
Reflections from Los Angeles: a local writer's personal account of the LA fires
Architecture writer and local resident Michael Webb reflects on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires and offers his personal account of the events of the last two weeks in California
By Michael Webb Published
-
LA Mayor Karen Bass outlines her plan for rebuilding the city
Following the devastating LA wildfires, which have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, the city’s mayor has outlined her plan for reconstruction
By Anna Solomon Published
-
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Weisblat House, a Usonian modernist Michigan gem, could be yours
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Weisblat House in Michigan is on the market – a chance to peek inside the heritage modernist home in the countryside
By Audrey Henderson Published
-
Cabin House is a simple modernist retreat in the woods of North Carolina
Designed for downsizing clients, Cabin House is a modest two-bedroom home that makes the most of its sylvan surroundings
By Jonathan Bell Published