Hosono House, DESIGNED BY Ryan Leidner Architecture
FROM THE ARCHITECTS
Located in San Francisco’s hilly Bernal Heights neighborhood, the Hosono House occupies an unusual position: the original structure — preserved and remodeled — sat at the rear of the lot, far from the street. This created a rare sense of privacy and retreat, but also a circulation challenge. The redesign addresses this by creating a new entry sequence, including a bridge that extends from the front garden, crosses a landscaped lower courtyard, and arrives at the new front door. The project reimagines what had been an awkward layout. A new entry stair and a rebuilt front façade with large openings now frame views onto the garden. Upon crossing the bridge, visitors arrive at a half-level landing. The main living room and kitchen occupy the top floor, while the bedrooms sit below. To maintain the historic character of the home, the existing exposed wood beams and ceiling were refinished, while original windows, floors, and finishes were replaced to create a unified palette. Natural wood tones and white surfaces define the interior — a relaxed, social environment where children’s play, casual lounging, and dinner gatherings coexist easily. Reflecting the owners’ love of international design, the interiors mix vintage Italian pieces with influences from Japanese design and California’s hippie modernism. The dining table is a custom work by Nobuto Suga, paired with vintage Tucroma chairs by Guido Faleschini and a Locus Solus armchair by Gae Aulenti. A circular pivot window introduces both daylight and a sense of whimsical movement. Perched on the upper level, the kitchen and living room enjoy expansive city views. Custom white oak cabinetry, concrete countertops, and polished brass accents extend the material palette. On the ground level, a lounge opens to the lower courtyard. Inspired by a Tokyo whiskey bar, it features white oak-clad floors, walls, and ceiling, with a built-in record station and a custom velvet daybed overlooking the garden. Throughout the home, materials and textures shift to shape mood and program: a hemp-plaster guest room with custom tiled furniture nods to Italian modernism, while the primary bathroom’s Venetian plaster creates a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Outside, new charcoal-stained cedar siding and a copper standing-seam roof complete the remodel’s blend of warmth, craft, and modern clarity.
