This loft centered in the South of Market St., or SOMA, area of San Francisco, CA is a ”back to the city" success story. The former box-like concrete structure in this region of dot.com "Multimedia Gulch" live/work spaces has been transformed into a contemporary pied-à-terre.

The owners needed a city residence and gallery to display a collection of photographic art. They wanted a contemporary look for their relatively small space, which featured high saw-tooth style ceilings with clere-story windows.

The architect’s design was based upon three circular shapes: the end of the kitchen peninsula, the prominent circular stair, and the shower enclosure. The bottom floor, divided into the kitchen, bath, and living room/photo studio/art gallery, allows for many different uses in a compact area. During photo shoots, light in the living room/studio can be completely blocked out. Upstairs, above the stainless steel and glass circular staircase, the auxiliary sleeping area also functions as a media room and library.

Plath & Company utilized many different wood materials, such as red birch for the floors, and dark red bubinga and golden tauri wood for the cabinetry/casework. Frosted glass and smooth polished terrazzo in the bathroom floor add to the elegance. The use of granite, slate, textured stucco and the stainless steel and glass circular staircase contribute to the contemporary design.

The loft space has a state-of-the-art audio system that is hidden at the front of the living room behind the television cabinets. This area is also used for storage of photography equipment for the owners’ artwork. The lighting was also designed for multiple use with a Graphic Eye to set alternate light patterns for viewing artwork, entertaining or simply relaxing at home.

BUILDER’S PERSPECTIVE

Nestor Matthews’ spare, open, elegant design provided an opportunity for our artists and crafts people to showcase their talent and experience.

Steve Plath, President
Plath & Company

NARI JUDGES’ PERSPECTIVE

This project represented a beautiful execution of detail, compelling brush strokes of design movements, wonderful restraint and clean execution in the overall idea and detailing and good function in the compact space.

Type of Project:
Remodel

Size of Project:
1,577 sq.ft.

Cost of Project:
$447,686

Contractor:
Plath & Company General Contractors

Architect:
Matthews Studio

Awards:
1999 NARI, S.F. Chapter Grand Award