Taking cues from Japanese gardens, landscape architecture company Surface Design has created a series of planted terraces for a renovated home in San Francisco .

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

San Francisco-based Surface Layout designed the landscaping scheme for the Butterfly Residence, a multi-storey, mid-century residence that was redesigned in 2013 by nearby firm John Maniscalco Architecture.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

The outside spaces are composed of horizontal planes. They function elements this kind of as light, water and fire, as well as traditional planting.

These were intended to provide the homeowners with “a serene respite from the city, extending domestic daily life beyond the walls of the property and into the landscape,” explained the designers.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

At ground degree, folding glass doors generate a transition amongst the residing space and courtyard.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

A cantilevered, covered walkway lines 1 side of the courtyard, with ferns and Japanese anemone flowers peeking out from underneath.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

Suspended from the walkway’s ceiling is a sculpture composed of delicate metal cranes affixed to thin ropes. The designers collaborated with a nearby foundry to fabricate the cast-aluminium bird figures, while a skylight bathes the installation in natural light.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

“A hidden fountain in the deck over envelopes the cranes in a mist of fog at the flip of a switch,” said the designers. “Light, mist and shadows reflect the aspects of the cranes, allowing them to dance on the walls of the courtyard.”

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

The walkway faces a compact backyard defined by elongated stone pavers and a variety of foliage. A fireplace created of poured-in-spot concrete anchors the area and serves as a space for socialising.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

“The hearth itself is an abstract composition of pristine white concrete and the rippling surface of a black basalt fountain wall that slides behind the flame of the linear fire pit,” the designers stated.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

At night, a band of recessed lighting illuminates the courtyard, “highlighting the floating architectural edges and washing the sunken plantings with light”.


Connected story: AIA names leading 10 American housing tasks of the yr


Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

Stairs in the courtyard lead to a catwalk overlooking the courtyard. In this linear room, cedar benches sit on recessed tracks and can be reconfigured as needed. The area also includes a backyard with herbs, fruits and veggies.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

“Pots of citrus trees full this urban backyard, as the owners harvest lemons, limes and blood oranges in the winter, and sit amongst the citrus blossoms in the spring,” mentioned the designers.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

The project integrated the addition of a rooftop deck, exactly where customized steel planters at the base of glass railings are filled with succulents. It features wooden decking, a fire pit and wicker furnishings.

The deck offers expansive city views, with the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz visible in the distance.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

Tucked into a sloped, urban site, the mid-century-contemporary house completed by John Maniscalco Architecture in 2013 encompasses 462 square metres and rises four storeys.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

The home is located on a sloped internet site in the city’s Russian Hill neighbourhood and its street-dealing with facade features wood, glass and stone.

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco Architecture

Photography is by Marion Brenner.


Task credits:

Landscape architect: Surface Layout
Architect of the home: John Maniscalco
Landscape contractor: Siteworks Landscape
Collaborator: Blue Barn Arts (crane sculpture)

Butterfly House by Surface Design and John Maniscalco ArchitecturePrepare Dezeen

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here