Butler Armsden Architects combines Nordic design principles with Californian lifestyle for this minimalist residence
With San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront views, it would be remiss not to make the most of the surroundings when building a new residence from the ground up.
Such is the case for a native Scandinavian who owns property on Belvedere Island, a rocky island north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the port suburb of Marin County, California.
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On a flat waterfront lot that once housed an aging 1960s ranch house, the homeowner wanted a modern vacation home that would stand out in a traditional provincial town – a project tackled by award-winning residential architecture firm Butler Armsden Architects took Move to a new building.
“As the client’s brief was quite simple for a minimalist, sophisticated yet unpretentious house, the design process began by examining the site context, taking into account its Nordic origins,” explains Federico Engel, managing director of Butler Armsden Architects.
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The structural front facade utilizes horizontal lines and cantilevered geometries, providing privacy from the busy street outside while maintaining its architectural presence.
A notable feature is the innovative, hydraulically pivoting garage door designed specifically to accommodate four vehicles – a solution that gained widespread attention on viral social media in 2024.