Urban Infill - San Francisco, CA

Design with Handel Architects

Once inhabited by The Central Freeway (Highway 101) that cut through Lower Height and terminated in Hayes Valley, 450 Hayes has become one of the most successful housing developments to reintegrate into the neighborhood and link to a vibrant retail district.

The building takes advantage of a thru block parcel by using one of San Francisco’s local zoning requirements of access to light and air while maximizing FAR. A residential mass on each side of the parcel create a mix of shared open space and private terraces linked with ground floor landscape and a multi-leveled bridge. Full height windows allow residents to enjoy a flood of natural light and an intimate sense of refuge for windows facing in.

Inverted lofts are located along Ivy street, with both street level and below grade parking level entrances. Lightwells faced with glazing in lieu of patios allow for an additional sense of privacy on the public street.
 
Awards: 2017 Residential Merit Award - AIA California Council
Photography: Bruce Demonte & Scott Hargis