Bach Architecture literally brought a breath of fresh air into an aging house in San Francisco

<a href="http://www.bach-architecture.com/noevalley.html" target="_blank">Bach Architects</a> remodeled a charming house in San Francisco and added a new floor to accommodate the spatial requirements of a growing family with special needs. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-renovation/" target="_blank">renovation</a> project was designed to maintain an optimal indoor air quality for a chemically sensitive client and draw more natural light into the house through the introduction of several light wells organized around the main stair and in the bathrooms.

The two main features of the project are the central stair dubbed "the jewel", fabricated by Melissa Mac Donald, and the light wells that illuminate the interior.

The stair features precise, mechanical joinery between stainless steel and patina-ed steel members, as well as with the laminated oak treads, showing a high level of craft and care.

It acts as the core of the house that connects all three levels of the building.

The office spills out onto a new deck, creating a fluid link to the south garden.

The open-plan second floor provides free movement through the kitchen, dining area and the living room.

Three bedrooms occupy the new top story, including a master bedroom and bathroom suite.

Locally made ceramic tiles dominate the interiors and were carefully selected to create a high level of indoor environmental health.

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture

Noe Valley Residence by Bach Architecture