Originally built in 1964 by architect Albert Lanier, this home overlooking the Mount Sutro Open Reserve in San Francisco has been renovated by Feldman Architecture for an active, yoga- and travel-loving couple. The residence features a triangular alcove, sloped gardens, and a plunge pool, channeling a Japanese ski cabin with updated materials like sleek white oak and steel.

Before: The Exterior

After: The Exterior

“The client loved the feel of the neighborhood and wanted to maintain all she [appreciated] about the home,” says architect Lindsey Theobald. But, when it came to functionality, the homeowner wanted something that felt more open, and with a better connection to the outdoors.

“The stairs were at the center of the house, so when you arrived in the middle, you didn’t know which way to go,” says Theobald. What’s more, over time, the homeowner had begun to trip on the exposed nails. The stairs were the first to be reimagined, for both safety and better flow.

Before: The Staircase

After: The Staircase

“We wanted bigger, safer stairs and pushed them back to the rear of the house, which allowed us to put in a two-story window to maximize light,” says Theobald.

Before: The Backyard

Twin Peaks Residence is divided into three levels: the half-buried basement floor; the master ensuite on the second floor; and the third-floor kitchen, living room, and dining room with a wide walkway to the garden. “Each level has a different relationship to the yard,” says Theobald.

As the homeowners walk up and down the stairs, they get varying glimpses of the garden, which is fully unveiled on the third floor and reflected by a large oval mirror between the living room and kitchen.

After: The Backyard

Before the renovation, the bedroom level completely ignored the backyard. Theobald pushed the master to the back of the house. “It sounds counterintuitive,” she says, “but we added more in the back and added a passthrough with glass on either side, so there is direct access [to the outdoors] from the master and the master bath.”

After: The Master Bedroom

After: The Master Bath

Shop the Look

Before: The Living Room

After: The Living Room

In the main living areas, which are now clean and minimalist, Theobald worked closely with the homeowner. “The client and I really saw eye-to-eye and ended up loving the same type of furnishings,” she says. “She pushed me, and I pushed her. I couldn’t have done a lot of these pieces with anyone else.”

The living room, which was once a dark, crowded space, now includes a custom, blue velvet, curved sofa from local furniture store Coup D’etat, a gray goat hair rug, and a jesmonite coffee table with an ombré finish.

Before: The Kitchen

The architect pushed the kitchen more toward the rear to allow better views of the tiered gardens, masterfully created by Ground Studio Landscape Architecture. Theobald replaced the marble backsplash and discolored cabinets with white oak cabinets and a 13-foot island with a marble-and-quartz countertop.

After: The Kitchen

More by Feldman Architecture:

My House: A Bay Area Restaurateur’s Woodsy Retreat Prioritizes Community

This Meditative Home in Silicon Valley Offers Garden Views at Every Turn

Sustainable Retirement Home in Tune with California Landscape

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Feldman Architecture / @feldmanarchiecture

Builder/General Contractor: Upscale Construction

Structural Engineer: Stranberg Engineering

Landscape Designer: Ground Studio Landscape Architecture / @groundstudiolandscape

Lighting Design: Kim Cladas Lighting Design

Cabinetry Design: Eby Construction / @ebyconstruction

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Before & After: This San Francisco Dwelling Feels Like a Japanese Ski Cabin