Market Street Ten

Joel Sanders was the architect selected by the owners of this penthouse to take the challenge posed by the design of this duplex unit. The trick was to take advantage of the best advantage of this corner unit – a dramatic view of downtown San Francisco that were compromised by discontinuous groupings of conventional double hung windows.

The design strategy visually unifies these random punched openings within a “sky zone,” a recessed linear slot that dynamically wraps the perimeter of the apartment. Painted grey/blue, it visually blends with the actual skyline. The duplex is programmatically sub-divided into two living strips that run parallel to this window wall. A darker inner band, lined with natural materials – walnut paneling and banquettes upholstered in deep blue mohair – defines the entry, stairwell and second floor pool/guest room.

A bright outer zone, lit by windows, defines the double height corner living/media room and kitchen/dining area on the first floor and the master bedroom suite above. It’s contrasting neutral palette of white and grey synthetic materials – concrete, fritted-glass, and stainless and powdercoated steel – focuses attention on the “sky zone” that frames city views. Interior apertures frame views between these contrasting areas.