Bernal Flow
Garage Level Remodel | Bernal Heights, San Francisco
This project involved remodeling a single-family home in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood to create additional living space within the existing building envelope.
The expansion focused on reworking the ground floor garage. We maintained a single parking space and added storage, using the remaining area to create new living space connected to the rear yard.
Because the garage sits partially below grade, we introduced large windows at standard sill height to bring in natural light and maintain a strong connection to the outdoors.
Circulation to the rear yard runs through this level, so the layout was carefully designed to balance openness, privacy, and flow. A series of sliding doors allows spaces to be opened or closed as needed, while maintaining a direct connection to the patio. A hallway along this path also serves as a flexible workspace, concealed behind custom poplar slat doors with a built-in standing desk.
Material selections throughout the project reflect a thoughtful, cohesive approach, including a vintage midcentury credenza repurposed as a bathroom vanity, a freestanding tub within the shower, Heath tile, brass fixtures, heated concrete floors, and custom wood sliding doors.
The result is a highly functional home that makes efficient use of space while maintaining a strong connection to light, privacy, and the outdoors.
Client Testimonial
“We couldn’t have been happier working with SF Design Build. We hired them for a fairly large job - transforming our unfinished garage/ground floor in Bernal Heights into a master suite including a bedroom, bath, large walk-in closet, laundry room, office area, and garage storage.
Going into the project, we knew that we wanted to hire a design/build firm to avoid the back and forth we know can come from hiring separate designers and builders. When we found SF Design Build, we knew that we had made the right choice. Rudy and Jessica are such a great team - seamless communication, no-drama, very accessible, professional, and wonderful design and craftsmanship.
As a designer, Jessica came up with very creative solutions to maximize our space, and is a total design pro - she anticipated design challenges before they arose. Rudy led a construction team who were friendly, dependable, and talented - important qualities when they are at your house everyday for months.
I would hire SF Design Build again in a heartbeat.”