Mark English Architects completed the Cow Hollow project, which encompassed a remodel and a small addition to an existing two-story family home in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow neighborhood.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Originally designed in 1917 by architect Elizabeth Austin, the residence required updates to enter a new époque. Elizabeth Austin worked as one of a small handful of American women architects working in the early 20th century. The team felt it was an honor to be tasked with protecting her vision while ushering the residence into a new époque.
As a historically significant building, a landmark preservation scheme protects the home. This landmark preservation scheme demanded special planning review for the project. The team conceived a series of thoughtful interventions and additions that would enrich the existing structure. Inside, the architects reimagined the layout to facilitate a more contemporary way of life for their clients.
The team restored the facade during the construction process. During the construction process, workers removed every piece of external ornament from the structure. The team labelled every piece of external ornament after removal. Finally, the workers reinstated every piece of external ornament to the facade.
The team converted the existing crawl space to habitable square footage. The architects made additions at the first level and second level of the home. The team completely opened up the central part of the U-shaped plan. The workers removed most of the second floor, creating a double-height dining space at the heart of the home.
By balancing strict landmark preservation requirements with modern structural changes, the project successfully protects Elizabeth Austin’s 1917 design while adapting the residence for the future. The combination of meticulous facade restoration, crawl space conversion, and the opening of the U-shaped plan ensures the historic Cow Hollow home functions efficiently for a contemporary way of life. These thoughtful interventions and additions enrich the existing structure, honoring its historical significance while creating an expanded, double-height living space for the clients.
Architect: Mark English Architects
Project Team: Mark English, Greg Corbett
Location: San Francisco, CA
Habitable Space: 2,702.4 square feet
Garage Space: 359.4 square feet
Total Site Area: 6,664 square feet
Contractor: De Mattei Construction, San Jose, CA
