When a San Francisco couple purchased a vacant plot of sloped land just steps from San Francisco's Dolores Park, Craig Steely Architecture was presented with a series of challenges. Views of downtown San Francisco's skyline and harbor could be seen from the plot, but from a compromised angle. The house's design would have to mitigate a steep hill, characteristic of the neighborhood, to build upon. Meanwhile, a public staircase located in front could compromise privacy. Indeed, the prime location of the couple's future home came with its share of setbacks. However, Craig Steely found a simple solution to these problems by starting at the house's most basic element — its foundation. Rather than follow the typical construction practice of staggering a foundation up the hillside, Peter’s House places a 24-foot-squared, cast-in-place concrete garage at the lowest level, while living spaces are located within a slender three-story glass tower above it. Perhaps the most alluring piece of the design is an innovative system that provides views while maximizing privacy, incorporating sustainable building practices. During the house's design phase, a new on-ramp to the Golden Gate Bridge was under construction, which required the clearing ...
When a San Francisco couple purchased a vacant plot of sloped land just steps from San Francisco's Dolores Park, Craig Steely Architecture was presented with a series of challenges. Views of downtown San Francisco's skyline and harbor could be seen from the plot, but from a compromised angle. The house's design would have to mitigate a steep hill, characteristic of the neighborhood, to build upon. Meanwhile, a public staircase located in front could compromise privacy. Indeed, the prime location of the couple's future home came with its share of setbacks. However, Craig Steely found a simple solution to these problems by starting at the house's most basic element — its foundation. Rather than follow the typical construction practice of staggering a foundation up the hillside, Peter’s House places a 24-foot-squared, cast-in-place concrete garage at the lowest level, while living spaces are located within a slender three-story glass tower above it. Perhaps the most alluring piece of the design is an innovative system that provides views while maximizing privacy, incorporating sustainable building practices. During the house's design phase, a new on-ramp to the Golden Gate Bridge was under construction, which required the clearing ...