William Duff Architects (WDA) has redefined contemporary urban living with their latest project, the House of Light and Shadow, located in the heart of San Francisco. This stunning architectural feat blends the charm of the city’s iconic Victorian era with the demands of modern life, making it a standout example of thoughtful design intervention. Here’s a closer look at how this home harmonizes history and innovation.
A Nod to San Francisco’s Victorian Legacy
The House of Light and Shadow pays homage to San Francisco’s architectural past, particularly the city’s rich Victorian history. The front façade is a perfect fusion of three distinct Victorian styles—Folk, Queen Anne, and Italianate. This combination creates a visually striking yet historically respectful exterior, which has been enhanced by a clean, modern color palette. With bright whites, blue-gray hints, and black accents, the façade retains its charm but now feels fresh and contemporary.
The architectural details, like the double stack of sashed bay windows, flat rooflines, and finely carved trim, are complemented by subtle modern touches, such as glass-paneled entry doors and finial-topped newel posts that lead to a balcony above. WDA’s residential practice leader, Jim Westover, notes that these design choices bring the historical aesthetic into a modern context, balancing decorative elements with graphic, sharp lines.
A Modern Take on Victorian Style
While the front of the home retains a Victorian essence, the rear façade tells a different story. Here, WDA showcases their more modern design capabilities. The back of the house is clad in custom Western Red Cedar and features oversized glass units that flood the interior with natural light. The sharp peaked roof and large glazed areas create a bold contrast with the front’s classic Victorian look, while still maintaining an architectural dialogue between the two façades.
The use of natural materials like cedar combined with large expanses of glass allows the home to feel open and connected to the outdoor landscape. It’s a perfect example of how WDA merges tradition and innovation, drawing from the past but embracing the present with forward-thinking design choices.
Inside: Reverse-Level Living for Modern Needs
The interior layout of the House of Light and Shadow is just as innovative as its exterior. Spread across 3,758 square feet and three levels, the home features an inverted or reverse-level floor plan—a smart solution for modern urban living. On the ground floor, you’ll find practical spaces such as a utilities room, kitchenette, full bath, and exercise area that opens up to a landscaped backyard.
The main floor houses the primary suite, complete with a walk-in closet, as well as the children’s bedrooms and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom. The top level, often the focal point of reverse-level designs, contains the kitchen, dining area, and living room, all framed by vaulted ceilings. This floor also includes an office, guest bedroom with ensuite bath, and a powder room. The living room opens onto a deck with expansive views of the city, providing the perfect setting for relaxation or entertaining.
Bridging the Past and Present
The House of Light and Shadow exemplifies WDA’s ability to balance the preservation of San Francisco’s architectural heritage with the demands of contemporary life. “Victorians are beautiful and important markers of San Francisco’s architectural history, but heritage architecture isn’t always suited for modern living,” says Jim Westover. WDA’s thoughtful design interventions blend old and new, ensuring that history is not just preserved, but reimagined for the present.
By merging a historic Victorian façade with a modern interior and rear, WDA has created a home that honors the past while embracing the future, all within the context of San Francisco’s urban landscape.
Conclusion
William Duff Architects’ House of Light and Shadow is a masterclass in contemporary urban living, where historical charm meets modern design sensibilities. This project highlights how thoughtful architecture can bridge the gap between past and present, creating a home that’s not only functional but deeply connected to its cultural and architectural roots.
