Find out how this San Francisco homes reverse layout helps the family bond better – Architectural Digest India

Find out how the designers went about remodelling this home

A historic Queen Anne bungalow in a row of classic Victorian and Edwardian buildings in San Francisco, had been home to a family of four for a couple of years. Wanting a space more suited to a contemporary lifestyle, they approached John Lum Architecture to transform it into a light-filled, functional home that would also fit into the streetscape in which it was located. Amanda Teal Design designed the interior spaces.

The family had lived in their two-bedroom, one bath house long enough to know that the current layout and size wouldnt workit was too dark and way too small. The previous addition was falling off its foundation, triggering the need to rethink the entire design. Plus, the backyard was only accessible from an old rickety outdoor stair that was unsafe for the children, says Teal. While the house presented a lot of woes, the family loved the neighbourhood and didnt want to relocate. It was time for an overhaul.

When we first met with the homeowners, we talked about how they wanted to live in the space now, and how the home could adapt with them in the future, saysJohn Lum, founding principal at John Lum Architecture. Better circulation and functionality, natural light, and a connection to the outdoors was a must.

Consequently, the gabled two-level home was converted into a three level one, with the addition of living spaces on the top, which previously housed the attic. As with many period homes built in the early 1900s, the floor plan was divided into small, compartmentalised rooms, that no longer served their purpose. The house needed a reboot, says Lum. Working closely with interior designer Teal and the homeowners, the team embarked on an extensive remodel and addition, adding square footage and reorganising the floor plan to meet the familys 21st century needs. In order to balance family togetherness with much-needed private time, we organised the space into private and public levels, creating an open plan that increased the functionality of the home while maximising the views, says Lum.At the heart of the 3,000-square-feet version is a bright, new third floor containing a great room with kitchen, dining and living spaces, and a spacious terrace that opens to the hillside garden. In a reversal of conventional layouts, we proposed converting the former attic space into a third level in order to free up an entire floor for family activity, says Lum. This move made the backyard come to life. You have these amazing views, and it feels like youre floating in the trees.

The front facade was retained but reinterpreted with a new third floor, enabled by raising the roof. Exposed cedareaves, a navy front door, and modern materials hint at whats inside. Adhering to the original architectural style, the gabled roof, covered porch, and bay window remain. Modern window trims and subtle dentil moulding usher the house into modern times, says Lum.

This is a subterranean floor which holds the wine cellar.An interior glass stairwell allows light to filter down from the top to all the levels.Tying all three floors together, this glass-railing staircase doubles as the wall of the wine cellar. This sub-floor also houses the garage, media room and mudroom; play and practicality blended as one, says Lum.

The entrance to the home is from this floor and it holds the foyer, twobedrooms with a shared bath and a home office. It also has a dramatic master suite complete with teak-lined outdoor shower and marble bath, accessible from the garden.

The master bedroom resembles a luxury hotel with its outdoor shower.The bedroom wallsgrass cloth painted navyevoke a dramatic moodiness. The space is luxurious without being pretentious.

A Great Room with kitchen, dining room, living space, guest suite-cum-playroom, terrace and a powder room are located herea floor with incredible views and natural light, captured through an entire wall of windows facing San Francisco Bay, says Teal.

The dining area is casual, taking advantage of a nook wrapped in windows. French doors frame the living areas indoor/outdoor fireplace. An emerald green settee is balanced with an oversized linen couch. A large, leather-tufted ottoman doubles up as coffee table.

Floor-to-ceiling navy cabinets contrast with the kitchens waterfall marble counter, complementing the wood flooring. The backsplash is a geometric wall of white glazed tile.

Juggling spaces and eking out new areas, the wand of Teal and Lum has transformed the historic home into a contemporary, fully functional one.

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Find out how this San Francisco homes reverse layout helps the family bond better - Architectural Digest India