craig steely transforms a corner store into an open-plan family house in san francisco

craig steely completes the flower house in san francisco

Craig Steely Architecture completes the Flower House in the suburbs of San Francisco. Designed for a family of three, the residential project is a converted neighborhood corner store characterized by minimal geometries, multifaceted volumes, alternating heights, and a rich mix of openings. The practice has ultimately chosen to embrace adapting and reusing the existing architecture rather than demolishing it, celebrating the building’s history and location. ‘Our reimagining of the building doesn’t obliterate the past, but it isn’t subservient to it either,’ shares the studio.

open-plan design punctuated by floral-shaped wooden tower

Stepping inside the Flower House, the space unfolds as an open-plan design demarcated inside and outside a free-standing flower-shaped tower made of warm wood. Craig Steely Architecture (see more here) organizes the rest of the indoor living program around this sculptural element, introducing the same wooden accent throughout to evoke unity as a whole. Meanwhile, a strong yellow hue coats the linear kitchen counter, steadily complementing the brown accents, white walls, and cement flooring. 

Facing the flower-shaped tower is the living room area, with furniture pieces and art selections by interior design practice Studio Ahead. A large, circular opening brings ample daylight into the space, while a sharp, roof-like structure hovers above, contrasting the wooden element’s organic outlines. A staircase leads up to the more private spaces, including a study room and bedroom with scenic views of San Francisco’s skyline. When night falls, the Flower House’s warm lighting breaks through the multi-shaped opening, transforming into a sculptural lantern. 

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project info:

name: Flower House

location: San Francisco

architect: Craig Steely Architecture | @craigsteely

photographer: Darren Bradley | @modarchitecture