Inner Richmond Residence

Nestled within the Inner Richmond and modest in scale, this single-story home is being reimagined through a subtle and strategic expansion. The renovation adds a compact second story at the rear, gently lifting the silhouette to capture treetop views while preserving the home’s low, familiar presence from the street.

Set below its neighbors and built tight to one lot line, the house posed a specific challenge: bringing light into its core. A large vaulted skylight above the kitchen island resolves this beautifully, funneling daylight into the heart of the home. The neighborhood’s fog-filtered microclimate allows for a larger-than-typical skylight, casting an ambient, even glow that softens the interiors throughout the day.

The architectural expression moves between quiet contrast and continuity: a crisp, contemporary rear façade opens to the landscape and light, while the restrained front elevation honors the existing rhythm of the street. Inside, a palette of warm materials and nuanced textures enhances the sense of calm and layered light, creating a sequence of spaces that feel both grounded and elevated.