The flip house

Like many San Francisco homes, with poorly integrated levels and sloping topography provided a disconnect across the home. By reversing its reading, Fougeron Architects recast the back of the house as its main facade with a custom-built glass wall.

Divided into three vertical panels that push in and out, this dynamic prism begins animating light and spectacular views to the communal living spaces, now placed at the rear and bedrooms were flipped to the front.

By replacing the disconnected staircases with one rear stair that smoothly links all three levels and the garden below. The street-level entry now leads to a generous foyer that is open to this staircase and to a guest room/den. The open plan of the second floor allows the kitchen and living room space to look down into this den and outward to the striking city, bay, and garden vista beyond. Clever and sitting within the neighbouring suburban context the prism literally works on every level !

Photography: Joe Fletcher