PAC HEIGHTS

Pac Heights Renovation / 2018-2021

Images by Adam Rouse Photography, 2023.

Design, owned by Michael Hennessey Architecture.

Situated within a distinguished historical high-rise located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, this apartment renovation harmoniously melds contemporary enhancements with a traditional ambiance.

Each residence in this venerable edifice commands an entire floor, affording residents breathtaking, unobstructed vistas of San Francisco, encompassing iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Sutro Tower. Given the presence of the original historic double hung, pivot, and bay windows, we were inspired to imbue a classical aesthetic into the project's trim and doors, while leveraging simplicity to showcase the surrounding natural beauty.

The introduction of subtly detailed cabinetry, custom steel doors, unadorned stone slabs, and modern lighting fixtures effectively complemented the more conventional elements. The choice of consistently painting the trim and walls in white gently unveils the intricacies of the molding profiles through the interplay of natural light and shadow. This design approach tactfully minimizes the architectural focal point in order to accentuate the artwork and the panoramic views.

Great attention to detail was devoted to every aspect of the project. The millwork package was meticulously crafted by the project builder, Dowbuilt, in their Seattle workshop, and local San Francisco artisans were enlisted for the creation of custom steel profiles and stone slab components. Notably, the crown molding in the living room and dining room was painstakingly carved by the skilled artisan Paul McCarthy, hailing from Nantucket. Furthermore, oak floors were masterfully installed in a Hungarian Point pattern, imparting a more understated and refined design compared to the conventional herringbone pattern.

The resultant bespoke design exemplifies a profound reverence for the historical significance of this San Francisco landmark, skillfully incorporating minimalistic touches to emphasize the awe-inspiring views and the showcased artwork.

Custom bathroom handle mockup for primary bathroom sliding glass shower partition.

Each Carrara marble panel was thoughtfully selected and meticulously positioned to achieve a harmonious transition from one placement to the next. The objective was not to slip-match, but rather to imbue the composition with a profound sense of precision and craftsmanship, evoking the impression that it was sculpted from a singular, selective block of marble.

The same principle guided the design of the custom Nero Marquina marble bar - to infuse the composition with a deep sense of precision and artisanal craftsmanship, as though from a single, monumental block of marble.