In San Francisco, a Victorian renovation by Mork-Ulnes Design drew considerable attention as part of the recent AIA Home Tours. Originally constructed in 1896, the home’s previous uses included a women’s boarding house and hippie commune. Mork-Ulnes’ renovation sought to retain the character of the various phases while modernizing and tailoring the home to its current tenants. To achieve this balance, salvaged materials were used throughout the home, and select features were either revealed or left unrestored. Douglas fir floorboards from the attic were used to construct the glass-railed butcher-block stairway, and on the upper levels, a stained glass window from the 1960’s and exposed brick walls serve as reminders of the past. Mork-Ulnes also made a dedicated effort to make the renovation environmentally friendly. They used recycled denim insulation, zero VOC finishes, and utilized local cabinet makers. Mid century and Scandinavian furniture are combined with modern hardware and several new skylights to create an interior where new inhabitants can add to the storied past of the home.
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Source: Inhabitat
