In the world of modern architecture, the fusion of heritage and contemporary design often leads to spectacular results. Architect Johnny Maas and his team exemplify this approach through their recent project, where they successfully bridged the gap between the historic character of a home and the forward-thinking aspirations of its residents. “One of our key goals was to open the rear of the house to its dramatic southern views and create a connection with the urban and distant natural surroundings,” Maas notes. The design strategy involved expanding the home both outward and downward into the rear yard, bringing in light and nature in every corner.
A patio offers city views.
“Having lived in the home for many years, our clients wished to solve some pragmatic needs while creating a home that takes advantage of the site’s natural characteristics.” –ARCHITECT JOHNNY MAAS
The architectural team maintained the traditional design elements of the living room, featuring 8-inch European white oak floors from Parkside Hardwoods.
Living Room
The living room serves as a testament to the project’s dedication to preserving the home’s historic spirit. Original details, such as the existing fireplace with its natural stone surround, were carefully retained, merging seamlessly with custom cabinetry that adds a touch of sleek functionality. The walls throughout the home are painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, while the trim is accented with Chantilly Lace, creating a sophisticated backdrop. The warm tones of the eight-inch European white oak floors from Parkside Hardwoods establish a nurturing ambiance.
Natural light floods the living room, attributable to strategically placed transom windows and open sightlines that draw the eye from the front to the back of the house. Maas describes this design choice as creating a “bright, crisp, spatially rich interior,” enhancing the overall experience of the home.
Dining Room
The dining area captures attention with a stunning Secto Design Octo pendant light, crafted from natural birch. This striking fixture provides a sculptural softness that contrasts beautifully with the refined custom oak cabinetry, which offers seamless storage solutions. Blomberg Window Systems’ four-panel sliders open up the dining room to the landscape, framing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Kitchen
Flowing effortlessly from the dining space, the kitchen strikes a balance between timeless craftsmanship and contemporary ease. Its clean lines and soft, neutral palette are inviting, complemented by organic white Caesarstone countertops and a geometric backsplash from Fireclay Tile in a matte finish. Blomberg sliders ensure that the kitchen is always illuminated by natural light while providing easy accessibility to the adjacent deck for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. According to Maas, the couple often relishes the picturesque views over cups of coffee during sunset, making this space a true highlight of the home.
The primary suite is bathed in soft natural light.
Primary Suite
Ascend to the primary suite, where tranquility reigns supreme. This private retreat provides sweeping city views from its serene balcony, which features Thermory vertical wood siding in a sophisticated platinum shade, coupled with Kebony clear decking that emphasizes sustainability. The luxurious primary bath showcases Waterworks Ludlow Shinola Edition fixtures, an Aquatica Aquastone bathtub, and elegant Calacatta Michelangelo countertops from IRG. The soothing Akdo Carrara Bella Hex tile flooring adds a rich visual texture to the minimalist aesthetic.
How the Home is Living
Today, this residence resonates with the family’s lifestyle and has transformed into a beloved gathering place for friends and relatives. The lower-level guest suite, complete with an en suite bath and kitchenette, provides privacy while ensuring comfort for guests. “Our family and friends love having their own ‘apartment’ on the bottom floor with garden access,” the owner shares, reveling in the positive feedback from visitors who refuse to leave.
The new central stair, illuminated by natural light from a soaring skylight, features a unique folded-plane geometry. The husband reflects on how this design element has uplifted his mood. “The experience of being bathed in daylight from above, especially in the stairwell, is incredibly uplifting,” he notes. The home has succeeded in its broader mission of connection, allowing the family to enjoy a fuller, more enriched life together.
The primary suite’s bath boasts an Aquastone bathtub.
Home Details
Home Type: Single-Family
Location: Noe Valley
Architect: Andrew Mann Architecture
Resources
Akdo: Tile flooring, primary suite bath akdo.com
Aquatica: Bathtub, primary suite bath aquaticausa.com
Benjamin Moore: Paint, throughout the home benjaminmoore.com
Blomberg Window Systems: Windows, dining room blombergwindows.com
Caesarstone: Countertops, kitchen caesarstoneus.com
Fireclay Tile: Backsplash, kitchen fireclaytile.com
IRG: Calacatta Michelangelo countertops, primary suite bath marblecompany.com
Kebony: Deck, primary suite us.kebony.com
Parkside Hardwoods: Flooring, throughout the home parksidehardwoods.com
Secto Design: Lighting, dining room sectodesign.fi
Thermory: Siding, primary suite thermory.com
Waterworks: Fixtures, primary suite bath waterworks.com