Hunt-Filmore

When this family approached us to renovate their Pacific Heights Victorian, they asked the team to maintain the integrity of the original house while transforming it into a contemporary version of itself. Constructed in 1884, the house had a triple parlor with Eastlake-styling trim and elegant proportions. However, it lacked spacious gathering areas for an active household. Instead of starting anew, the design became an exercise in selective interventions.

Most of the first-floor public spaces were left intact. To bring the home to modern-day, the back portion containing the kitchen was gutted and combined with a former glass conservatory that was too thin to use, and too cold to occupy. Combining the rooms created a much-needed casual eating/breakfast room that now opens directly to the backyard. The conservatory windows were replaced with code-compliant, fire-rated windows and skylights, giving a 1940’s streamlined feel to the otherwise contemporary cabinetry. 

Other substantial moves included replacing the haphazard back stairwell — a disconnected series of winder blocks — with a minimalist, open-riser one featuring a glass railing that connects all four floors in a stacked run. To cap it off, a sloping skylight provides a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Further taking advantage of the bay views, the primary suite was relocated to the attic which opens to the roof deck, complete with fire pit.