Honorable Mention: Terrace House
Aidlin Darling Design
This dramatic remodel of a non-descript 1950s hillside residence converts a two-story structure into a three-story home for a growing family. The front and rear facades employ 20-foot-tall,30-inch-deep steel brise soleils that deflect light and frame cherished views while editing out less desirable ones. The southern and northern anchor walls are skinned with hand-troweled plaster and create privacy from the neighboring homes Crystalline glass-and-steel armatures reside between these walls to provide remarkable eastern views of downtown San Francisco and beautiful sunset views overlooking a canopy of trees. A biophilic ethos was paramount for the homeowners and permeates every room. A living roof provides ample insulation and rainwater purification as well as an inviting natural respite within the confines of the city. A variety of wood species sheath the home’s interior to create visual and tactile warmth. Custom, built-in-furniture furthers the home’s intimate quality, while maximizing function.