ryan leidner's hosono house celebrates 'hippie modernism' of san francisco

a garden oasis in san francisco

Bay Area studio Ryan Leidner Architecture takes to San Francisco’s hilly neighborhood of Bernal Heights to complete its Hosono House. The project sees the renovation of an existing home which was built in the rear of the plot, and thus significantly setback from the street. This condition lends a unique sense of privacy, and evoking a secluded garden retreat within the city.

The architects note the access challenges presented along the home‘s location set back from the street: ‘A new entry sequence was created, including a bridge which spans from the front garden, over the landscaped lower courtyard, to the new front door.’

images © Joe Fletcher | @joefletcherphoto

the renovation by ryan leidner architecture

With its Hosono House, the team at Ryan Leidner Architecture resolves resolves the awkward spatial organization of the existing home. The areas are reconfigured, and both a new entry stair and front façade with large openings are introduced to offer views onto the garden. Upon arrival across the footbridge, the entrance is discovered along a half-level landing. This leads toward either the main living space and kitchen on the top floor or the bedrooms downstairs.

inside the hosono house

While Ryan Leidner Architecture sought to preserve the historic character of the Hosono House, the existing wood beams and ceiling were refinished and left exposed. Meanwhile, the original windows, floors, and finishes were replaced to ensure a material continuity throughout the interiors. This subtle palette includes natural wood tones and white surfaces. On the exterior, new charcoal-stained cedar siding was installed along with a copper standing-seam roof.

Describing the interior influences, the architects comment: ‘Designed to celebrate the owners’ appreciation for global design, the interior spaces are filled with a mix of vintage Italian furnishings, while also being inspired by trips to Japan and the ethos of Californian hippie modernism.

the white oak lounge is inspired by the warm atmosphere of a whiskey bar in tokyo

the existing wood beams and ceiling were refinished and left exposed views across the skyline are framed from the kitchen on the top floor

a new façade with large openings creates views toward the lush garden

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project info:

project title: Hosono House

architecture: Ryan Leidner Architecture | @ryanleidner
landscape design: Stephens Design Studio
area: 2,535 square feet
completion: 2021
general contractor: DKG Construction
landscape contractor: Ground Cover Landscaping
photography: © Joe Fletcher | @joefletcherphoto