Michael Hennessey Maximizes Natural Light in New San Francisco Townhouse

Award-winning architectural design firm Michael Hennessey Architecture has challenged “conventional building strategies” found in San Francisco with a modern two-unit townhouse. Flanked on both sides by structures dating to the 1920s, the Franklin Street building features horizontal porcelain tiles that take cue from the area’s surrounding brick buildings and elements that depart from the norm in San Francisco.

Contrasting with the more traditional bay windows found on the street, a striking modern bay window is employed. Floor-to-ceiling glass offers a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and maximizes natural daylight. At the interior of each townhouse, obscure glass located at vertical light wells brings natural light deep into the building, creating dramatic lighting at the floating tread staircase. Walnut flooring and cabinetry bring visual warmth to the otherwise minimal and restrained interior color palette.

Michael Hennessey Architecture has designed a number of residential buildings in California. Take a closer look at the recently designed townhouse in San Francisco’s Marina District in the gallery above.

Elsewhere in design, the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center opened its new Rand Elliott Architects-designed building.