Contemporary family living near Golden Gate Park.

Located in the Inner Sunset near Golden Gate Park, this project replaces an existing one-story garage with a contemporary four-story single-family residence, while preserving and renovating the existing historic earthquake cottage in the rear yard. The design maximizes living space within the site’s constraints, with the new home organized around light, openness, and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. The repurposed cottage provides space for in-laws, an au pair, or additional rental income.

The new residence has a garage at the ground level and three floors of living space above. At the rear of the garage level, a family room opens directly to an intimate yard shared with the cottage, creating a flexible indoor-outdoor gathering space. A sculptural floating staircase connects all four levels of the home and is illuminated from above by a large skylight, bringing natural light deep into the home. The main living level is conceived as a single open space for cooking, dining, and gathering. Large openings connect the kitchen, living room, and dining areas to a rear deck overlooking the yard. The level above provides three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a flexible office or guest room, with ample space for family life and home office work. At the top floor, the primary suite serves as a private retreat: A sloped ceiling with clearstory windows introduces openness and daylight into the bedroom, while private outdoor decks front and back offer opportunities for views, daylight and fresh air throughout the day.

Together with the renovated historic cottage, the project creates a thoughtfully composed family complex of old and new, that balances density, privacy, and contemporary living in the heart of San Francisco.

Photography by David Nip