Modest H House by Group 41 Architects
Built in the hills above Noe Valley, the structure commands sweeping views of the Oakland Hills and the city skyline below, the H House takes a strong modernist stance while still respecting the scale and proportionality of its neighbors. Purposed to be a modest – a simple boxy two story structure. However, the deceivingly spacious residence cascades down the hill, making the most of a narrow and down sloping site. A flexible floor plan allows the lower unit to serve as the perfect entertainment space or a separate unit. Beautifully tiered outdoor decks, terraces and gardens make the most of expansive views.
The entry gate made from one-of-a-kind steel. The striated swathes of mild steel with glide effortlessly open bring to atrium space, lined with polished black basalt. A monolithic wall wrapped in panels of dramatic black, stacked slate pierces down through two stories, anchoring the structure to the steep hill. Visible in the main living spaces as well as along the exterior breezeway, the continuous feature wall lends majestic scale and proportion.
The only curvilinear elements in the entire home are the curved shapes of the ceiling plane and the lighting rail. This element meant to soften the planar feel of the ceiling as you enter the house because the living room steps down and ‘away’ from your point of view and the ceiling becomes an incredibly powerful visual element in the main living space.
The inspiration behind the stunning all-white master bath was to create an absolutely colorless room that was neither “feminine” nor “masculine” but would take on the unique character of the owners. The white oasis was achieved by covering many surfaces with Thassos marble, Inalco white panel tiles, glossy white lacquered vanity elements and Spanish white “bubbles” tile. The white vision is completed with a floating “island” tub on a mat of white glass pebbles and a wall-hung Philippe Starck toilet.
Behind the clean lines of H’s modern architecture, thoughtful design decisions were made to utilize sustainable products and practices. Sustainable materials and systems were integrated into the design whenever possible. Rather than solid exotic wood doors or floors, the design incorporates eco-friendly flooring made from pressed timber scraps and macassar ebony engineered veneer finishes made from recycled sawdust. The home also boasts a state-of-the-art high-efficiency HVAC system and is built to ultimately accommodate solar panels to help make the home energy independent. Additionally, Group 41 implemented a construction waste program from demolition through completion that reduced the amount of construction waste taken to the landfill.
Location : San Francisco, California
Architect : Group 41
February 6th, 2010 at 1:05 am
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May 4th, 2010 at 3:17 am
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May 5th, 2010 at 12:42 am
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May 13th, 2010 at 10:32 am
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