San Francisco Residence | SkB Architects

Renewing the charm of a cherished San Francisco residence with a wooden tile facade
The home was built in 1907 and the facade was characterized by its brown wooden tiles, which was very typical in the Bay Area. The dwellings from this era were once constructed with unpainted wooden shingles to pay homage to the vibrant red forests. Inhabitants in the region cherish the outdoors, often leaving windows and doors wide open to embrace the surrounding nature and scenic views. It feels as though one is truly residing within a forest.
“The location and historical nature of the home were appealing to us,” says Shannon Gaffney, Architect and Founding Partner of SkB Architects. “A home rejuvenation was necessary to infuse new life, as prior renovations aimed for a "modern" interior, ultimately rendering the dwelling sleek yet devoid of soul. We wanted to bring in an uplifting and light attitude.”

Embracing Personal and Versatile Spaces with a Different Ambiance for Every Occasion
- The client envisioned each room as a unique homage to cherished travel destinations, capturing the essence of places they adored and wished to cherish in memory. Each room embraces a distinct theme, though not in a strictly literal interpretation. All of them exude a sense of intimacy, deliberately designed on a smaller scale. No walls were dismantled to form a grand space, ensuring the opportunity to cultivate charm and personality in each distinct area.
- The home takes its overall inspiration from its location in the Bay Area, but there are things that run throughout to give each space an eclectic personality with fun opportunities for discovery.
The house boasts diverse terraces offering expansive views, where doors effortlessly open to connect with the surrounding landscapes. Depending on your location within the space, the ambiance can transport you to the serene beauty of Bali, the tranquility of Thailand, or the chic vibe of a cool California bar.
- The vision of SkB Architects was to create a flexible home that could seamlessly transition between accommodating family gatherings and serving as a workspace for colleagues. The intention was to design a place capable of adapting to various needs, while also emphasizing the distinctive ambiance of each room with its own unique character.
- The project comprised two structures totaling 8,000-10,000 square feet (the main house and a cottage). All walls and windows were preserved. “Our approach included enhancing some exterior hardscape features and undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of the visual aesthetics within the house,” says Shannon Gaffney. “Infusing a California vibe intertwined with the client's favorite getaways, the design involved a moderate to robust integration of new casework, wall surfacing, lighting, and entirely new furniture. This transformation aimed not only to meet the practical requirements of a full-time home but also to evoke a distinct and personalized atmosphere throughout the living spaces.”

Color Palette
Deliberately selecting lighter, sun-kissed hues with an uplifting touch, the design embraces muted tones. The interplay of golden hues and nuanced cool and warm-washed wood tones crafts a standout color narrative—a subtle yet noticeable story that captivates without overwhelming.

Materials
“We kept an existing limestone polished floor but worked to warm it up, boosting and highlighting some of the cool quirks and characteristics of the old home,” says Shannon Gaffney. “Things like the diamond-shaped divided light windows with leaded glass were exaggerated features that paired well with varying woods, some sunny and refined (in the main house), others more rustic (in the cottage). The main house then becomes more lighthearted, while the cottage is a bitmoody.”

Photo credits: Andrew Giammarco and Hannah Rankin