Search results for "Human connection" in Home Design Ideas

Rivington Street Building is a multi-family residential building in New York City that was designed, developed and constructed from the ground up by Paul A. Castrucci, Architect. In order to successfully take on the roles of developer and contractor, Castrucci utilized his ability to balance budget, schedule and constructability.
The building is a part of its community and its facade responds to the human and contextual scale. The base of the building utilizes brick, tying it into the surrounding neighborhood. The top floors of the building break from the contextual base in form and material. The corrugated metal saw tooth roofline is a response to the environment, bringing in soft, northern light while providing roof area for a Photovoltaic array of solar panels. The top floor is connected to a roof garden filled with native plants. The result is a light-filled, dynamic space that is shaped by its relationship to daylight and connections to the exterior.
Constructed in 2003, Rivington Street Building is an example of the firm’s energy efficient design that utilizes sustainable methods such as a high-performance envelope, a solar Photovoltaic (PV) array and rainwater collection/grey water system.

Living Room- Part of the show house was that we needed to work with some items from our local Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store. The sofa and console table and various art was source from there.

https://pipafineart.com/products/cow-paintings-for-sale-a-soulful-stare-cow-photorealism-painting-digital-artwork-loose-art-print. Bring the gentle curiosity of the countryside into your home with "A Soulful Stare." This captivating artwork presents a close-up encounter with a cow, its soft brown eyes gazing directly at the viewer with an almost human-like intelligence. The intricate details of its coat, the delicate texture of its nose, and the playful gaze are rendered with stunning realism. Printed on high-quality photo paper with premium inks, this loose art print captures the essence of this gentle creature, inviting you to connect with the beauty of the natural world.
"A Soulful Stare" is more than just a portrait; it's a reminder of the connection we share with all living beings. Hang it in your living room, bedroom, dining room, or office to infuse the space with a sense of warmth and tranquility. The soft colors and gentle expression of the cow create a calming atmosphere, while the captivating gaze draws you in and sparks a sense of curiosity.
This artwork is made in the USA and printed on demand, ensuring a high-quality piece that will add a touch of rustic charm to your home. Available in a variety of sizes, "A Soulful Stare" is a perfect gift for animal lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
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From CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views.
The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private.
Reimagining the Urban Envelope
The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression.
Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views.
At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides.
Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries
Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors.
Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow.
Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways.
A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light
The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space.
A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls.
Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas.
Kitchen as Architectural Furniture
The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich.
Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash.
Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface.
A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette.
Dining With a Living Backdrop
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset.
A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience.
Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast
Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation.
The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop.
The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space.
Bathing Above the City
In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops.
The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials.
Entertaining Above the Park
Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art.
Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline.
Cinema and Retreat
The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing.
Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above.
Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth
What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth.
Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth.
The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human.
A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living
In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living.
It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky.
What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity.
The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions.
A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework.
The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old.
The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance.
While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance.
A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design.
Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction
Photography: Mariko Reed
Year Completed: 2022

Welcome to your tranquil backyard haven, where the majestic oak tree stands tall, providing a sense of timeless beauty and shade. Surrounding this magnificent centerpiece, three inviting seating chairs await, arranged in a circle around a mesmerizing fire pit. This carefully crafted seating arrangement beckons you to unwind and enjoy cozy gatherings with friends and loved ones, as the warmth of the fire dances in the evening air.
The entire setting is embraced by an abundance of natural plants and greenery, skillfully enhanced by the touch of 4se4sons Remodeling, creating a harmonious blend of nature's embrace and human ingenuity. The vibrant foliage adds a touch of life and color to the space, making it a refreshing oasis that celebrates the wonders of the outdoors.
And let us not forget the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic mountains that loom in the distance. Their grandeur adds a sense of awe and majesty to the already enchanting scene, elevating the ambiance to new heights.
As you step into this captivating backyard, you'll be immersed in a world of serenity and peace, skillfully enhanced by 4se4sons Remodeling. It's a space where you can escape the demands of everyday life and indulge in moments of tranquility and connection with nature.
Whether it's an intimate gathering around the fire pit, enjoying the company of loved ones, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains, this backyard sanctuary, artfully enhanced by 4se4sons Remodeling, offers an experience that is both rejuvenating and awe-inspiring.
Relish in the beauty of the oak tree, the warmth of the fire pit, the embrace of natural plants, and the majesty of the mountains - all coming together, skillfully brought to life by 4se4sons Remodeling, to create a truly enchanting outdoor retreat, exclusively for you to savor and cherish.

Living Room- Part of the show house was that we needed to work with some items from our local Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store. The sofa and console table and various art was source from there.

Welcome to your tranquil backyard haven, where a majestic oak tree stands tall, providing timeless beauty and refreshing shade. Surrounding this captivating centerpiece, three inviting seating chairs await, thoughtfully arranged in a circle around a mesmerizing fire pit. This carefully crafted seating arrangement calls you to unwind and savor cozy gatherings with cherished friends and loved ones, while the warm glow of the fire dances in the evening air.
The entire setting is embraced by an abundance of natural plants and lush greenery, expertly enhanced by the artistry of 4se4sons Remodeling, resulting in a harmonious blend of nature's embrace and human ingenuity. The vibrant foliage adds life and bursts of color to the space, transforming it into a refreshing oasis that celebrates the wonders of the great outdoors.
And let us not forget the breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains that loom in the distance. Their grandeur adds an overwhelming sense of awe and majesty to the already enchanting scene, elevating the ambiance to new heights of tranquility.
As you step into this captivating backyard, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of serenity and peace, skillfully enhanced by the touches of 4se4sons Remodeling. It's a space that offers a serene escape from the demands of everyday life, allowing you to indulge in moments of tranquility and connect deeply with nature.
Whether it's an intimate gathering around the fire pit, the joyful company of loved ones, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the mountains, this backyard sanctuary, thoughtfully enhanced by 4se4sons Remodeling, offers an experience that is both rejuvenating and awe-inspiring.
Relish in the beauty of the oak tree, the warmth of the fire pit, the embrace of natural plants, and the majesty of the mountains - all skillfully brought to life by 4se4sons Remodeling to create a truly enchanting outdoor retreat, exclusively for you to savor and cherish.

Living Room- Part of the show house was that we needed to work with some items from our local Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store. The sofa and console table and various art was source from there.

Living Room- Part of the show house was that we needed to work with some items from our local Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store. The sofa and console table and various art was source from there.

When the school garden teacher at my kid’s school asked if I would volunteer to design the schools learning garden I was excited by the prospect. I drew up some plans with hopes of inspiring the next generation to getting involved with stewardship of the land.
The goal was to create a space were children all abilities could have access to the process of growing food, tending to soils and recognizing the human connection with the natural world.
With an emphasis on edible plants, the garden also incorporates native plants, plants that attract pollinators and plants that build soil.
The garden includes a composting system, and a log circle to use as and out door classroom space. Unfortunately, half way through the installation of this garden the school was closed due to covid and no one was allowed on campus for 6 months. The garden fell into disrepair. As we slowly emerge from the pandemic the school is coming back to life and parent volunteers are allowed back on to campus. With that the garden is coming back as well. The rain harvesting nets and outdoor kitchen did not end up coming into reality. But through the pandemic we learned an even grater importance of outdoor class room space and the power of engaging with the outdoor world.

Complete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.

From CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography

Rivington Street Building is a multi-family residential building in New York City that was designed, developed and constructed from the ground up by Paul A. Castrucci, Architect. In order to successfully take on the roles of developer and contractor, Castrucci utilized his ability to balance budget, schedule and constructability.
The building is a part of its community and its facade responds to the human and contextual scale. The base of the building utilizes brick, tying it into the surrounding neighborhood. The top floors of the building break from the contextual base in form and material. The corrugated metal saw tooth roofline is a response to the environment, bringing in soft, northern light while providing roof area for a Photovoltaic array of solar panels. The top floor is connected to a roof garden filled with native plants. The result is a light-filled, dynamic space that is shaped by its relationship to daylight and connections to the exterior.
Constructed in 2003, Rivington Street Building is an example of the firm’s energy efficient design that utilizes sustainable methods such as a high-performance envelope, a solar Photovoltaic (PV) array and rainwater collection/grey water system.

Rivington Street Building is a multi-family residential building in New York City that was designed, developed and constructed from the ground up by Paul A. Castrucci, Architect. In order to successfully take on the roles of developer and contractor, Castrucci utilized his ability to balance budget, schedule and constructability.
The building is a part of its community and its facade responds to the human and contextual scale. The base of the building utilizes brick, tying it into the surrounding neighborhood. The top floors of the building break from the contextual base in form and material. The corrugated metal saw tooth roofline is a response to the environment, bringing in soft, northern light while providing roof area for a Photovoltaic array of solar panels. The top floor is connected to a roof garden filled with native plants. The result is a light-filled, dynamic space that is shaped by its relationship to daylight and connections to the exterior.
Constructed in 2003, Rivington Street Building is an example of the firm’s energy efficient design that utilizes sustainable methods such as a high-performance envelope, a solar Photovoltaic (PV) array and rainwater collection/grey water system.

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views.
The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private.
Reimagining the Urban Envelope
The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression.
Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views.
At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides.
Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries
Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors.
Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow.
Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways.
A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light
The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space.
A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls.
Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere.
Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas.
Kitchen as Architectural Furniture
The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich.
Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash.
Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface.
A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette.
Dining With a Living Backdrop
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset.
A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience.
Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast
Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation.
The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop.
The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space.
Bathing Above the City
In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops.
The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials.
Entertaining Above the Park
Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art.
Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline.
Cinema and Retreat
The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing.
Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above.
Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth
What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth.
Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth.
The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human.
A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living
In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living.
It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky.
What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

From CDK Architects:
This is a new home that replaced an existing 1949 home in Rosedale. The design concept for the new house is “Mid Century Modern Meets Modern.” This is clearly a new home, but we wanted to give reverence to the neighborhood and its roots.
It was important to us to re-purpose the old home. Rather than demolishing it, we worked with our contractor to disassemble the house piece by piece, eventually donating about 80% of the home to Habitat for Humanity. The wood floors were salvaged and reused on the new fireplace wall.
The home contains 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, plus a home office and a music studio, totaling 2,650 square feet. One of the home’s most striking features is its large vaulted ceiling in the Living/Dining/Kitchen area. Substantial clerestory windows provide treetop views and bring dappled light into the space from high above. There’s natural light in every room in the house. Balancing the desire for natural light and privacy was very important, as was the connection to nature.
What we hoped to achieve was a fun, flexible home with beautiful light and a nice balance of public and private spaces. We also wanted a home that would adapt to a growing family but would still fit our needs far into the future. The end result is a home with a calming, organic feel to it.
Built by R Builders LLC (General Contractor)
Interior Design by Becca Stephens Interiors
Landscape Design by Seedlings Gardening
Photos by Reagen Taylor Photography

Complete House built and designed by us.
Each space oriented to the flexible design between the human being and nature.
House with open spaces and connection with nature.

Nexus is a site-specific plant installation that explores the question of the relationship between plants and humans in an urban context. The sculpture consists of five steel rings of various diameters that serve as supports for different types of hanging plants and also support the illumination system of the entrance hall. This striking installation sets the atmosphere for a series of informative panels highlighting the company’s vision, the importance of the relationship between humans and nature, and how this connection can benefit contemporary urban spaces dominated by concrete. The circle—an endless figure without beginning or end—evokes the idea of unity and totality. The set of rings represents a constellation of relationships, an interconnection. Nature and humanity intertwine, redefining urban harmony.
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