A
guide to interesting homes and commercial buildings. |
I noticed this house after I finished shooting the house with the rock
in its courtyard. It is easy to miss since it is hidden behind a
large tree and is set back from the street. About two weeks after dropping
off my orange envelope I received a short note in the mail: Architect: James
Ream. Built 1981 on the site of Rosalie Hellman's Garden (Mrs. Hellman was
the wife of a banker and their home was on the same street though about three
lots down in the 1920s). When I was photographing the house (which is very difficult
due to how narrow it is and the tree in front) the homeowner came home but simply
drove into their garage. I figure they gave me all the info I wanted and that
was that. The home has three banks of peaked skylights that run the width of
the structure. Only 2 can be seen in my photo. There is a round steel pipe that
runs across the front of the house above the garage door and is repeated over
the course of the roof line. On the side a steel beam continues the front pipe's
line along the side of the house. Interesting joints that might have been custom
fabricated connect these beams. It is hard to tell if this is structural or
decorative. Funky (and very 70s) windows are on the side: one a large circle
(echoing the circular metal joints) and a somewhat oval window. The house, despite
these rounded shapes, is very angular. The amble skylights must flood the house
with light and surely there must be great views from the back which overlooks
the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, and Marin.