The right way to renovate a hillside home

Dolores Heights Residence

Architects: jones | haydu
Area: 295 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs:Matthew Millman
City: San Francisco
Country: United States

In the vibrant neighborhood of Dolores Heights in San Francisco, a remarkable transformation took place. This captivating home became a reality through the collaborative efforts of Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Design, who also happens to be one of the residence's proud owners.

Kevin and his husband embarked on a mission to remodel and expand their existing earthquake cottage. Over the years, this cottage had seen various piecemeal additions, resulting in a somewhat awkward and disconnected layout. Their vision was clear: to turn these disparate spaces into an open and harmonious living environment. However, there was a challenge to overcome - much of the lot had already been occupied by the existing structure. But where there's a will, there's a way, and the aim was to maximize the house's connection with this unique site.

As you approach the residence, you'll notice a distinct architectural feature - a straight axis that guides your journey. This axis is more than just a path; it interacts gracefully with the building's forms as they ascend towards the main entrance.

Step inside, and you'll find that your experience along this axis is carefully curated. Your gaze is always drawn to the downhill end, where the iconic Sutro Tower stands tall, a constant presence. At the opposite end, the uphill view is dominated by a magnificent Monterey cypress tree. These natural landmarks serve as anchor points, connecting the interior spaces with the surrounding landscape.

The house's forms are a sight to behold, seamlessly intertwining with one another. The choice of materials, including cedar, standing seam metal, and cementitious panels, accentuates these forms, creating distinct rooms within an expansive and open floor plan.

As you venture further, you'll notice a crescendo of forms that pay homage to the quintessential San Francisco vernacular architecture. At the front, an "inverted" Bay window box boldly cantilevers eight feet from the facade. This architectural marvel serves as a gateway to three unique experiences within what's referred to as the "urban forest."

Beneath this striking feature, an exterior fire pit welcomes you to the forest floor. Inside, the window box frames a captivating view of the "trunk" level, immersing you in the lush greenery. And if you ascend to the roof deck, an entirely different experience awaits, allowing you to reach the "canopy" level. Here, against the backdrop of a gable, you can appreciate the almost child-like expression of home.

This residence, nestled on a west-sloping site, offers sweeping panoramic views of the city and the nearby Sutro Tower. It's a testament to thoughtful design and a deep connection with the natural surroundings. This is a place where architectural innovation meets the beauty of nature, and where Kevin Sawyers and his husband have turned their dream into a stunning reality.