jones | haydu renovates san francisco home with stepping cedar volumes

a modern residence for dolores heights

In the heart of San Francisco’s Dolores Heights neighborhood, a contemporary house has been built by locally-based architects Jones | Haydu. Conceived as a joint effort between the esteemed Jones | Haydu architecture studio in collaboration with Kevin Sawyers from Sawyers Design, who also co-owns the residence. With its bold timber facade, the Dolores Heights Residence stands as a renovation and expansion of an existing earthquake cottage.

The design is driven by the complex relationship between structure and its hilly California site. A straight circulation axis weaves throughout the site, engaging with the ascending volumes as they culminate at the main entrance. On one end of this axis lies the commanding presence of the ‘Sutro Tower,’ a constant focal point. On the opposing end, the gaze is drawn uphill to the grand silhouette of a Monterey cypress tree.

images © Matthew Millman | @matthewmillmanphoto

nested volumes of cedar and metal

With the framework of its Dolores Heights Residence, the architects at Jones | Haydu harmonize a modern form with a thoughtful material palette. Built to nestle within one another, these volumes showcase an interplay of materials — cedar, standing seam metal, and cementitious panels — a deliberate choice that not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also harmonizes with the surrounding environment. These fluid forms delineate distinct zones within a sprawling open-plan layout, fostering an interconnectedness while maintaining functional autonomy. This all culminates at the front facade, a subtle nod to the typical San Francisco vernacular.

an ‘inverted’ bay window box cantilevers eight feet from the facade

organic-inspired interiors

At the forefront of the Dolores Heights Residence’s design philosophy is a deep-rooted connection to the urban forest that envelops it. An ‘inverted’ bay window box emerges as a striking element which cantilevers an impressive eight feet from the facade. The home frames three distinct vantage points that celebrate the lush canopies which surround it. Below, an outdoor fire pit mirrors the warmth of the forest floor.

Interiors by Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Design are infused with with organic inspiration and provide a glimpse into the intricate ‘trunk’ level of the forest. Above, a panoramic roof deck extends the living space, offering an elevated encounter with the ‘canopy’ level of the surroundings. This elevated vantage point offers an intimate connection with the familiar gable profile, a symbol of home.

the uppermost volume is shaped with a gabled profile as a symbol of home
the exterior showcases a material palette of cedar and standing seam metalthe gable roof is expressed along the interior

warm interiors are infused with organic inspiration

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first floor plan

second floor plan

third floor plan

roof plan

section

section

project info:

project title: Dolores Heights Residence

architecture: Jones | Haydu | @joneshaydu

location: San Francisco, California

interior design: Sawyers Design (Kevin Sawyers) | @sawyers_design

contractor: Jeff King and Co

structural engineer: Strandberg Engineering

mechanical, electrical engineer: Design/Build

geotechnical engineer: Rockridge Geotechnical

historic: Left Coast Architectural History

photography: © Matthew Millman | @matthewmillmanphoto

Jones | Haydu design team:

design principal in charge: Hulett Jones

principal: Paul Haydu

project architect: Grace Leung