Noe Valley Townhouse

San Francisco, CA

Imagined as an urban sanctuary nestled within a lush garden, this extensive San Francisco townhome renovation and addition celebrates a dialogue between city and nature in which the owners envisioned a tranquil retreat to raise their children. The interior renovation blends modern open spaces with traditional detailing. At the rear, a “nest-like” structure creates semi-enclosed outdoor rooms and terraces that invite indoor-outdoor living.

At its heart, the “nest-like” structure creates semi-enclosed rooms and terraces that seamlessly bridge interior and exterior realms. Cedar wood slats enclose and establish privacy, while a delicate steel structure supports warm white plaster ceilings that float overhead and frame sweeping views of the rolling hills beyond. A spilling stair organically flows through the structure, connecting the built form with the garden.

At ground level, the meticulously crafted garden unfolds in distinct yet connected elements. A patio outside the family room anchors the composition, where floating concrete steps descend gracefully, embraced by lush plantings that blur built and natural boundaries. The garden beyond reveals an intimate retreat featuring a custom bench beneath a playful overhead canopy — the sunniest spot, inviting discovery and respite.

The interior expansion opens the primary living spaces to hill views and the lush garden while ceilings are shaped into skylights that bring in natural daylight. The entry foyer transformation establishes grandeur through a reconfigured double-height space with an arched ceiling opening to a skylight, flooding the area with natural daylight. Throughout the home traditional paneled walls pair with modern oak millwork and cabinets, blending the history of this San Francisco Edwardian home (built in 1900) with the sensibilities of a modern 21st century lifestyle.

This tranquil urban retreat realizes the owner's vision of light-filled rooms paired with an outdoor haven offering seasonal beauty.

Design Team: Sarah Willmer, Kelley Coelho, Britta Tuschhoff, Julia Schuetz, Khulan Batsaikhan, Susan Lopez

Landscape Design: Shades of Green Landscape Architecture

Interior Design: Lauren Nelson Design

Photography by Jasper Sanidad