Diamond Project by Terry & Terry Architects
Terry & Terry Architects have designed the Diamond Project house in San Francisco, California.

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Description from Terry & Terry Architects:
The house scales an uphill lot, with views to the west. Concrete walls run parallel along the side lot lines, forming the sidewalls of the house and continuing beyond to contain a protected garden.
Sloping roof planes hover above with stunning Western Red Cedar ceilings, and are contained between the longitudinal concrete walls. Strategic gaps or fissures were formed between roof and walls to illuminate the walls with natural light. Large glazed openings in the front and rear of the house create transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces.
A roof deck is inserted at the top of the house and functions as a continuation of the garden living space. The roof deck also provides a unique connection to the surrounding hills speckled with the pastels of the San Francisco neighborhoods.
A detached garden studio is located at the rear of the property. This small satellite structure serves as a home office, and as additional family space.
There is a shared language of simple materials and clean detailing throughout that unifies the space. This aesthetic creates the warmth and calmness essential for a family in an urban setting without distracting from the simple beauty of well juxtaposed spaces.
Visit the Terry & Terry Architects website – here.
Photography by Ethan Kaplan and Joe Fletcher.
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Argee on 10 Aug 2010 at 12:31 am #
Would the exterior wood finishes in cedar be applicable to a tropical climate?
Gretta M on 10 Aug 2010 at 12:45 am #
San Francisco isn’t a tropical climate.
BjZ on 10 Aug 2010 at 9:34 am #
Seems to be a very nice and cozy house, would have appreciated a few more pics and maybe a floor plan though. But goo use of space, lovely garden. I’m not a big fan of glass bathrooms though.
Mark on 10 Aug 2010 at 2:04 pm #
That wasn’t the question Gretta. Agree, tropical climates likely have a wood native to the area that will preform better than the softwood cedar. Cedar would work though
KjH on 10 Aug 2010 at 6:25 pm #
Use cedar in the tropics if you like a lot of maintenance. Unless protective coated and redone every 2-3 years with a penetrative stain or paint, cedar is prone to fungal attack and turns black
kmg on 10 Aug 2010 at 6:53 pm #
Agree with BjZ… a floor plan would be informative.
The exposed concrete is prominent in this palette – which normally resonates with me. But the surface quality of the form work here appears to be a bit rough for my taste. Also wonder how well those “window wall” (speaking loosely) systems work with the concrete…
The solution for the fireplace is very attractive – no clunky “lip” or lintel, perfectly flush with the floor plane – sexy.
Difficult to get a good sense for program with these tight shots though.
Jimw on 10 Aug 2010 at 8:55 pm #
Let’s see…confirm my list….
1. Offset/intersecting planar composition…..?
2. Exposed concrete….?
3. Horizontal wood slat walls…?
4. Translucent pin-mounted glass railing….?
5. Black/darkened window/door framing system…?
6. Cantilevered tread/open riser stair….?
7. Wood floor with wood ceiling treatment….?
8. Frameless all-glass shower enclosure…?
9. Minimalist, open, galley-styled kitchen…?
10.Slot window/skylight “fissures”…?
11.Minimalist featured fireplace…?
12.Tastefully appointed furnishings with classic modern iconic
pieces…?
13.Structured landscape, smartly planted, cloistered backyard…?
14.Monochromatic color scheme…?
Yes, another successful candidate that qualifies being added to the “Residential Architecture of 2008-2010″ list along with 250,000 other worthy submissions. Congratulations on the unique design!!
TW on 11 Aug 2010 at 4:30 am #
Jimw – you’re a gem.
CMV on 11 Aug 2010 at 11:11 am #
All of you know your stuff very well, I just see freshness lol…cool house.
AlexT on 22 Aug 2010 at 10:56 pm #
Keep in mind that the ceilings are cedar wood (where it stays protected from UV’s and receives minimal moisture). We used Ipe wood for the siding where you have heavy sun and moisture. KjH is right, it is difficult to keep clear cedar in good shape. Even the Ipe wood needs to be pressure washed once in a while.