Dolores Heights Residence

February 22, 2024

Located in San Francisco’s Dolores Heights neighborhood, this home was a collaboration between Jones | Haydu and Kevin Sawyers of Sawyers Design, who is also part owner of the residence.


Kevin and his husband wished to remodel and expand their existing earthquake cottage that had been added onto piecemeal over the years, transforming these awkwardly connected rooms into an open, harmonious space. Given the existing footprint covered much of the lot, the goal was to make the most of the house's relationship to this unique site. 

The circulation for the site and house is a straight axis, interacting with the building’s forms as they ascend to the main entrance. Continuing at the interior, one’s experience along this axis is always anchored on the downhill end by Sutro Tower, and on the uphill end by a magnificent Monterey cypress tree. 



The forms of the 3.180-square-foot house nest with each other, highlighted by their material palette of cedar, standing seam metal, and cementitious panels. These forms, along with the interior palette, create rooms within a wide-open plan. The crescendo of forms occurs at the front, nodding to quintessential San Francisco vernacular architecture. An “inverted" Bay window box cantilevers eight feet from the facade highlighting three experiences of the “urban forest”. Below is an exterior fire pit for the forest floor. Inside, the box frames a view of the “trunk” level. 

Above, a roof deck extends the living room, allowing an experience of the “canopy” level. At this deck the backdrop is that almost child-like expression of home, a gable.



Continuing at the interior, one’s experience along this axis is always anchored on the downhill end by Sutro Tower, and on the uphill end by a magnificent Monterey cypress tree. The forms of the house nest with each other, highlighted by their material palette of cedar, standing seam metal, and cementitious panels. These forms, along with the interior palette, create rooms within a wide-open plan. The crescendo of forms occurs at the front, nodding to quintessential San Francisco vernacular architecture.



  Photography Matthew Millman

SHARE THIS

 Contribute

G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.

WRITE US

 Find us on

Latest News

By G&G _ Magazine • October 20, 2026
The 21st edition of Tallinn Design Festival , held from 28 September to 4 October 2026, offered a rich illustration of a design scene that extends far beyond the object, and beyond the walls of a single venue. Under the theme Future of Product Design , the festival explored how sustainability, adaptability, technological change and material awareness can inform the next generation of products and services.
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of its Residences, Dubai
By G&G _ Magazine • October 12, 2026
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of Maison Margiela Residences in Dubai
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By Zhanna Lysohorova • October 10, 2026
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By G&G _ Magazine • September 2, 2026
Located in the heart of Las Salesas, one of Madrid’s most sophisticated and creative districts, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid embodies a refined vision of contemporary urban luxury.
By G&G _ Magazine • August 26, 2026
In the heart of Sofia, Juno Hotel blends contemporary design and natural materials into an intimate retreat where refined interiors meet a distinctly residential sense of comfort.
By G&G _ Magazine • August 24, 2026
In the vibrant Sukhumvit district, tender pink, graceful arches and refined minimalist design come together at Away Sukhumvit Bangkok , creating a playful yet sophisticated retreat for the modern traveler.
MORE

 Subscribe

Keep up to date with the latest trends!

Receive a dose of inspiration directly into your mailbox!

 Popular Posts

Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of its Residences, Dubai
By G&G _ Magazine • October 12, 2026
Maison Margiela Expands Design and Architectural Vision with Launch of Maison Margiela Residences in Dubai
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By Zhanna Lysohorova • October 10, 2026
Zuchex 2026: from Turkish Craft to Global Design
By G&G _ Magazine • September 19, 2026
Studio WYZE, the interior design firm with studios in London and Zurich, projected TATTU Dubai of Permanently Unique Group, located within the world’s tallest hotel Ciel Dubai Marina .