.: Red Piano :.: Tehama Grasshopper / Fougeron Architecture

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Architects: Fougeron Architecture
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Project Team: Anne Fougeron, Todd Aranaz, Toby Stewart, Dennis Luedeman (Architectural Metals), Endres Ware Architects / Engineers (Structural Engineering)
Project area: 418 sqm
Project year: 2007
Photographs: Richard Barnes & Rien Van Rijthoven

The penthouse living area includes the master bedroom and bathroom as one free-flowing space. It wraps around the courtyard, interweaving the upstairs and downstairs levels. Clear glass panes-again a requirement of the owners-offer no visual privacy. Their connection to outer world is a celebration of urban living.

SUSTAINABILITY

Adaptive reuse of an existing, underutilized warehouse. The existing building was adapted for a mixed-use function, allowing both commercial and residential uses enhance and improve the neighborhood.
Heating system. Radiant concrete floors both in the penthouse and on the main level allow for the elimination of ductwork. The energy usage is significantly lower and more efficient than the traditional forced air system. The quality of heat is also more uniform and comfortable for the residents.
Operable glazing for ventilation. We kept the existing exterior window system, preserving its operable elements. In addition, the courtyard space allows for large glass sliders that admit natural ventilation. Upstairs, the glass sliders are also operable. The sliding doors both on the main level and in the penthouse, combined with the open stairwell allows for a ’stack ventilation effect’ - letting the building expel excess heat without mechanical equipment.
Natural daylight. The previously dark warehouse was transformed into a light filled residence with the addition of an interior courtyard and several skylights. This reduces the load on artificial lighting and raises the comfort level for the residents. Also, all new glazing is insulated and has a low-e coating, reducing the solar gain on the interior.
Efficient artificial lighting. The required artificial lighting primarily uses high efficiency, dimmable, T-5 florescent tubes. We were able to eliminate the commonly found incandescent recessed ceiling cans. The dimmable florescent tubes allow the residents to adjust the light levels as necessary.
Low VOC & sustainable finishes. The interior paint and other interior finishes are low VOC. Also, the added insulation in the walls is formaldehyde free.
Solar orientation. The penthouse addition opens itself to large expanses of glass on the north and south sides. The east and west elevations are solid, structural walls with clerestory glazing. This provides thermal mass, blocking excess heat from entering the building. Also, roof overhangs on the south elevation block harsh summer light while allowing winter sun to enter and warm the space.
Exterior cor-ten steel cladding. This natural material cladding the new roof penthouse was chosen for its durability and longevity, as well as its reactive nature with the environment and the passing seasons. The steel will oxidize over time, eventually turning from a black to various hues of orange. This natural process forms a protective coating over the un-oxidized steel beneath.
Roof deck. The penthouse addition allows for access to the roof, where a wood ipe deck was added. The urban site does not allow for a front or back yard for the young family of three, so the roof deck was added for their use. There are plans for a garden and planting in the future. The species of wood used, ipe is highly durable and a fast-growth material.