The Sunset District Facelift
The Sunset District is famous for its rows of identical, pastel-colored Doelger homes. While charming in theory, our client property had become a victim of the beige wash, a generic, texture-less stucco box that vanished into the fog. The client wanted to break the mold without breaking the visual rhythm of the block. They needed an exterior that felt distinct and custom but did not scream gentrification flip. The challenge was adding depth and warmth to a flat facade while adhering to the strict residential design guidelines that govern the Avenues.
We visualized a complete transformation. We replaced the concept of the rotting entry stairs with a design for a custom Ipe wood slat system that wraps the lower level, providing both visual warmth and a functional screen for trash bins, a notorious eyesore in the city. We contrasted the warm wood with a moody, dark charcoal paint specification for the upper stucco, which ironically makes the home feel brighter by allowing the window glazing to pop. The result is a home that respects the massing of its neighbors but stands out as a piece of intentional architecture rather than a product of mass production.
Client Name
The Chen-Miller Family
Client Type
Private Homeowner
Location
Outer Sunset, San Francisco
Project focus
Curb appeal and material modernization
Color Palette
Charcoal, Natural Ipe Wood, Matte Black, White
Services Provided
Exterior Design, Material Selection, Facade Renovation
Budget
$12000
Duration
2 Months
Thoughtfully designed spaces for life
Strategic Design Interventions
We use material science to combat San Francisco microclimates.
1
Solving the Flatness Problem
Stucco is boring. We disrupted the flat surface by detailing horizontal wood slatting in the plans. This creates shadow lines that move with the sun, giving the building a dynamic, shifting appearance throughout the day.
Hiding the Ugly Stuff
San Francisco trash cans are ugly. We designed a hidden storage system integrated directly into the entryway cladding. The bins are accessible but invisible from the street, instantly cleaning up the visual noise of the property.
2
3
Selecting Wood That Won't Rot
The Sunset is damp. We specified Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) not just for its color, but because it is naturally resistant to rot, mold, and insect attack. It requires zero sealant to survive the fog, ensuring the client does not have a maintenance nightmare in 5 years.
