Tag: traditional

Zero Energy House

ZeroNRG 08
Architect: Ross Levy⁠ (Levy Art + Architecture)⁠
Project Team: Karen Andersen (Levy Art + Architecture)⁠
MEP: Davis Energy Group⁠
Contractor: n/a
Structural Engineer: SEMCO
Photographer: Ken Gutmaker

This project aims to be the first residence in San Francisco that is completely self-powering and carbon neutral. The architecture has been developed in conjunction with the mechanical systems and landscape design, each influencing the other to arrive at an integrated solution. Working from the historic facade, the design preserves the traditional formal parlors transitioning to an open plan at the central stairwell which defines the distinction between eras. The new floor plates act as passive solar collectors and radiant tubing redistributes collected warmth to the original, North facing portions of the house. Careful consideration has been given to the envelope design in order to reduce the overall space conditioning needs, retrofitting the old and maximizing insulation in the new.

Nothing Never Looked So Good

Words by Joanne Furio and Lauren Murrow

An Edwardian Divorces PG&E

As the managing director of San Jose–based SunPower corporation, William Kelly unabashedly geeks out about solar panels. But when he set about expanding his family’s 1904 Noe Valley Edwardian, he took things a step further, getting “off the pipe”— eliminating the need for natural gas. Instead, a radiant system of water-filled tubing beneath the floorboards provides heat, and cooking is done on an induction stovetop. San Francisco firm Levy Art and Architecture expanded the home to 2,424 square feet, moving living areas to the south-facing rear of the house to harness the sunlight; a skylight over the glass-encased three-story staircase lets natural light reach from rooftop to basement. Meanwhile, SunPower’s photovoltaic solar panel system channels 7.6 kilowatts of electricity—enough to power the home and the family’s two cars. J.F.

Originally published in the April 2013 issue of San Francisco.

Publications:

ZeroNRG 25
ZeroNRG Floor Plan
Schematic of radiant heating system
Schematic of electric system
Schematic of water recycling system

Cole Valley

Cole 06

In the heart of Cole Valley, this property was the perfect location for a growing family.  The house itself was small and poorly organized.  We removed a small shed from the rear and had a blank palette for new architecture.  The two story addition is set two risers down from the main level.  This allows it to open directly to the garden and to enjoy  a tall ceiling.  The element that binds the project together is a central lightwell above the kitchen bar.  The kitchen relates to the living room and yard across the open bar. The lightwell also allows an overlook into the main spaces from the children’s bedrooms above and includes an internal window into the master bath.  The rear façade is a collage of glass and wood, activated by a pitched roof that vaults one of the upper bedrooms.  In contrast the front is an historic renovation, no sign of the contemporary space or addition beyond.

Queen of Mirabel

Unique Renovation of a Historic Structure including an Innovative Façade

An innovative garage door made from a bay window maintains the original Queen Anne facade on Mirabel Street, San Francisco
This custom garage door design is fit for a Queen (Anne)!

As a Queen Anne Victorian, we were able to preserve and restore the decorative façade of this residence, while completely reconfiguring the interior to honor our client’s contemporary lifestyle.

The hinged “bay window” garage door is a primary component in this innovative renovation. Given the parameters of preserving the historic character, we chose motorized swinging doors which were specially constructed to match the original bay window.

In contrast to the exterior appearance which we maintained as close to the original as possible, the inside represents a complete re-design. We combined the upper two units into one residence, creating an opportunity to open the space, and allowing light to fill the house from front to back. An expansive North-facing window and door system frames the view of downtown and connects the living spaces to a large deck. The skylit stair winds through the house — beginning as a grounded feature of the entry, and then becoming more transparent as the wood and steel structure are exposed and illuminated.

Publications:
• Fine Homebuilding, July 2011 “A Garage Fit for a Queen” by Maureen Friedman

Do you dig this custom garage door? Need an innovative solution for an upcoming residential or commercial project? We’d be happy to guide you through this design process and work with you to create a functional, and unique building that fits your vision and needs.

Schedule your complimentary 20min consultation so we can learn about your project, no matter what phase of the planning process you’re in.

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About Levy Art + Architecture

Ross Levy, licensed architect and principal at Levy Art + Architecture, has been creating innovative architectural designs that support modern lifestyles for nearly 30 years. With his background as a building contractor, he brings a craftsman’s perspective and attention to detail to every unique project. Ross completed graduate work at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, is a founding member of The Viet Nam Green Building Council, and has served for many years on the AIA Public Policy committee.

Levy Art + Architecture’s work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, SPACES, Dwell, Dezeen, and Fine Homebuilding.