After raising their family in the suburbs, the owners purchased “Periscope” as their empty nester city spot. Set on an urban alley on the south slope of Telegraph Hill, the 835 square foot house lacked the space they needed. They also craved an open floor plan which the Victorian era layout lacked. Over the years the home had become engulfed by taller and denser buildings blocking natural light and views. The challenge was not only to gain light but also to recapture the breathtaking views.

The home is comprised of two levels, a Lower and an Upper Level. The Master Bedroom Suite is located at the rear of the Lower Level to maximize privacy and quiet. It's partially sunken to gain ceiling height. To expand the depth of the Lower Level, the adjacent Courtyard is treated like a room, with walls but on the ceiling. The dark stained wood boards of the rear façade turn and extend along the side and rear property lines.

At the Upper Level, the living spaces have been relocated to the rear of the house to capture light and partial views through a new wall of glass. A new staircase connects the levels. This vertical spine (periscope) projects up onto the roof to access a new Sunroom-Roof Deck. These rooftop spaces fully capture the spectacular views while blurring the line between interior and exterior space.  

The transformed 1,655 square foot home offers a thoroughly livable modern enclave within one of San Francisco's most historic neighborhoods. 

Materials Used: 

1. Western Windows - Exterior Doors and Windows - Series 600, 670 and 900
2. Stepstone - Presast Concrete Pavers - Narrow Modular and Pedestal Pavers
3. Miele - Kitchen Appliances - Built-In Refrigeration, Ovens and Cooktop
4. Julien - Kitchen Sink - J7
5. Vola - Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures - Single Handle
6. Duravit - Bathroom Sinks and Toilets - Vero Vanity and Sinks and Stark 3 Toilets
7. Wet Style - Bathroom Tub - Cube
8. Geberit - In-wall Toilet System - Duofix System with Sigma Concealed Tank
9. Sidler - Medicine Cabinets - Diamando
10. Louis Poulsen - Pendant Light - PH5
11. Ortal - Fireplace - Linear 150