Edwardian Renovation

• About this project

  This Edwardian renovation brings attention to tradition.  San Francisco is probably most famous for its Victorian Era architecture.  There are, however, more buildings dating to the Edwardian Era. The Edwardian period only lasted between 1901-1918.  Because the period extended beyond the great fire of 1906, more buildings in this style remain.

  The Edwardian style tends to be simpler and less decorative than the Victorian Era, but it also features ornamental details and decorative trim.  It’s only natural that various owners have remodeled these buildings over their hundred year histories.  Unfortunately, along with this, people have removed or covered over many exterior details.

  With our project, large portions of the facade had been covered over with asbestos shingles applied in the 1950s.  Its original wood windows had been replaced with cheap aluminum ones.  The interiors featured low dropped ceilings that concealed mechanical ducts and plumbing lines.  And the spaces were a labyrinth of rooms.

  An Edwardian Renovation in Noe Valley

  Our client loved this Noe Valley neighborhood, and the streets lined with Edwardian buildings.  He knew he wanted to renovate the building, maintain the traditional exteriors, and add new “period-inspired” details to the complete interior renovation.

  The center of the project is the open Kitchen and Family Room that open onto a new rear yard deck.  To create this open space, we installed two steel beams to replace load bearing walls.  Unfortunately, the beams were too deep to conceal in the floor thickness.  They were also not symmetrically located within the space.  To solve this, we added two additional “fake” box beams to the ceiling and created a visually balanced, symmetrical beam layout.

  With its traditional-style, painted inset cabinets, period hardware, and vintage lighting, combined with an open space plan, it makes for a room that works for today’s lifestyle.  At the same time, it pays respect to the age of the home.

  We also installed a see-through fireplace on the rear wall of the family room.  Because of this, the fireplace is visible both from the family room and the outdoor deck.  To connect indoor and outdoor spaces, we placed a pair of French doors on either side of the fireplace.

  Finally, we added a luxurious master suite as part of new third story addition.  Its bath features a steam shower, soaking tub, and an elegant chandelier.