Built in 1879, this historic San Francisco Victorian remained largely unaltered for over a century, with the notable exception of a two-car garage added at the street. The original structure’s layout was otherwise intact. To expand the home while working within the site’s constraints, the project focused on a full remodel of the upper floor and the addition of a basement, excavated behind the existing garage and entirely within the original footprint. Upstairs, the reconfigured layout includes a primary suite, office, guest bathroom, and a street-facing bedroom—building on the strengths of the existing first floor. Below, a new family room and guest suite are illuminated by a linear light well along the east facade. Functional spaces—laundry, wet bar, mudroom, and mechanical rooms—line the basement perimeter, providing essential amenities the house had long lacked. The result is a carefully layered expansion that respects the home’s historic character while meeting the needs of modern family life.

Design Team:
John Clarke
Marinela Vidanovska
Sayre Laflin
Christina Garnett

Builder:
Rasmussen Construction

Structural Engineer:
GFDS

Landscape Architect:
Integrated Design Studio

Interior Designer:
Jonathan Rachman Designs

Photographer:
Suzanne Scott Photography

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john clarke architects

clay san francisco, california completed2016

clay

san francisco,
california

completed
2016