Pacific Heights Penthouse and Exterior Remodel
Located on a prime corner lot in Pacific Heights, our building began life as a single family Victorian style residence that was subsequently remodeled in the 1950s by prominent local architect Mario Gaidano into a four unit apartment building.
After briefly considering returning the apartment block into a single family residence under the guidance of another architect, our client turned to Studio S Squared to update the four unit building to modern standards, while keeping the top level penthouse for himself as a pied-a-terre. We had previously done an interior remodel of the third floor flat; our new task was to remodel the owner’s penthouse unit, insert a four stop elevator, incorporate a full systems and seismic upgrade, and enhance the exterior curb appeal.
Working within the City of San Francisco’s strict guidelines for preservation of older buildings, our design re-organized the stair circulation to remove an unsightly exterior stair added in the 1950’s remodel, fully remodeled and added dormers to the penthouse to improve ceiling height and views to the Bay, and designed new security and privacy fencing at the street level.
The project necessitated multiple neighborhood meetings and two public hearings for approval of the exterior changes, as well as a variance approval from the San Francisco Planning Department for the new ground level privacy fence.
- Project Year: 2011
- Project Cost: $1,000,001 – $1,500,000
- Location: San Francisco, CA
Photography by Mark Pinkerton, VI360 Photography
