One of the recipients of the 2009 AIA Housing Award, the goal of this project was to create a modern, eco-sensitive, urban retreat that was kid tough and kid friendly.

The owners, a family of four, were both architect and builder.

Materials, details and connections are visible expressions of the design and construction. This is exemplified in the intricate staircase where water jet-cut steel stringers support translucent acrylic treads and risers.

The house was designed and built using sustainable design principles. Energy efficiency, low consumption and low toxicity were key ideas.


As the Jury commented

« The architect poetically dealt with going from one level to the next in this vertically stacked home with the use of the beautiful translucent stair; additional use of these translucent materials for balconies and table is innovative.

The technology of using the panelized system, off-site construction, prefab panels and FSC certified wood are some of its many sustainable attributes that should be commended. 

Nice use of light and great use of a tight infill site! »





Project Credits

Project: Laidley Street Residence – San Francisco, California

Architect:   Zack / de Vito Architecture

Owner: James Zack and Lise de Vito

General Contractor: Built Form Construction

Photographs © Bruce Damonte

Material for this article provided by the AIA.

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