Up in the Clouds

San Francisco, CA

Architect: Michael Hennessey Architecture
Builder: A L Martin Construction
Landscape Design: Cobble & Forge

Project Overview

Up in the Clouds reinterprets the spirit of a 1962 Joseph Eichler home in San Francisco’s Diamond Heights. The remodel introduces a fourth-floor gathering room build-out, connected to the rest of the home and yard by a steel bridge. Inside, a simplified floor plan reshapes the interior to draw more natural light from the courtyard, strengthening the relationship between shared spaces and the surrounding landscape.

Recognition

AN Interior

Interior Material Palette

Wood plays a central role in preserving the home’s architectural character while distinguishing the new addition.

At the bedroom level, SNOHOMISH Western Hemlock was specified for the reconstructed ceiling assembly. Milled with a custom 1/8-inch reveal to closely replicate the original tongue-and-groove boards found in Eichler homes, its lighter finish enhances daylight and brightens the interior.

The new upper-level gathering space features LEWIS Western Hemlock ceiling cladding, selected for its subtle tonal variation that introduces warmth and visual distinction while creating a contemporary conclusion to the home’s architectural composition.

Exterior Material Selection

As part of the renovation, outdated aluminum panels were removed and replaced with a custom wood cladding system that referenced the home’s original plywood siding while providing significantly improved durability.

Working closely with the design team, RESAWN supplied multiple product samples to evaluate aesthetics, board articulation, and overall design intent. The final specification featured a CUSTOM shou sugi ban cladding in a simple tongue-and-groove profile, preserving the home’s clean vertical expression while enhancing long-term weather resistance and performance.

Specification & Technical Support

Throughout the material selection process, RESAWN’s Specification Consultant collaborated closely with the project team to evaluate finish options, custom milling profiles, and architectural detailing.

By providing product samples, technical guidance, and custom manufacturing capabilities, RESAWN helped develop a wood cladding solution that balanced historical sensitivity with modern performance, supporting both the renovation and the contemporary addition.

Project Team

Michael Hennessey Architecture led the design of Up in the Clouds, thoughtfully reinterpreting a classic Joseph Eichler residence with a contemporary addition that respects the home’s mid-century heritage while embracing modern living. The firm’s work is characterized by careful attention to light, materiality, and the relationship between architecture and site.

A L Martin Construction served as the builder, executing the project’s complex renovation and addition with a high level of craftsmanship and precision. Their close coordination with the design team ensured the seamless integration of custom architectural details and specialty wood materials.

Cobble & Forge designed the landscape to strengthen the connection between the home and its surrounding hillside setting. Their work complements the architecture by creating cohesive outdoor spaces that enhance the experience of the site while reinforcing the project’s natural character.