Market Street Penthouse is a modern structure interior designed by Joel Sanders Architect, located on a corner unit of a highrise building in San Francisco, California. The biggest challenge for the architects was how to take advantage of the units dramatic diagonal downtown views that were compromised by discontinuous groupings of conventional double hung windows. To rectify this problem, they painted the frames of the windows a blue/gray color to visually blend with the skyline.

A darker inner band, lined with natural materials, walnut paneling and banquettes upholstered in deep blue mohair defines the entry, stairwell and second floor pool/guest room. A bright outer zone, lit by windows, defines the double height corner living/media room and kitchen/dining area on the first floor and the master bedroom suite above. It’s contrasting neutral palette of white and gray synthetic materials, concrete, fritted-glass, and stainless and powder coated steel focuses attention on the “sky zone” that frames city views. Interior apertures frame views between these contrasting areas.

The design emphasizes the continuity of space for a loft-like environment. Sliding doors transform the unit into discrete rooms as needed. The material palette reinforces this spatial flow: white concrete floors, touch-latch cabinetry, slip-matched walnut paneling and powder-coated steel counters. Whole-house lighting, audio, video and shade controls are all controllable from an iPhone.

Photos: Courtesy of Joel Sanders Architect