Over two decades ago, a couple purchased two side by side lots in Russian Hill. On one lot sat a modest one story plus basement house which they made their home. On the neighboring lot sat a carriage house with a basement, a lush garden, and many ideas of what their dream home could be. The lot was curious with several constraints. It is smaller than most SF lots in width (23’) and depth (60’), the land on the lot sits a full nine feet below the sidewalk level, and the lot is bounded on all three sides by property line buildings.

The owners (architect colleagues, one turned game designer) have amassed a wonderful collection of books, music, figurines and artwork. The design solution creates a vertical two unit building, and at five stories plus roof deck, fills the site to its Planning allowed limits. To provide light in the center of the building, an oversized light well is accompanied by an open stair. Along the stair at the property line is a monumental wall of shelving housing their collectibles. The stair is crowned by an operable glass skylight.

The once lush garden that was below the sidewalk has been raised six stories to the uppermost roof with sweeping views to the Golden Gate. The front, south facing facade is an homage to the ubiquitous security gate so often seen throughout San Francisco. The gate is composed of decorative aluminum in a tartan pattern of the owners Scottish family. The homage of the silver gate continues to cover three stories of the facade. The character of the facade changes subtly throughout the day, depending on the sun and weather, providing shading and privacy at the interior. As the sun sets, the windows begin to glow through the silver gate.