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Nabi House by FAME Architecture & Design
Nestled among the hills of San Francisco, Nabi House by FAME Architecture & Design fuses the sophistication of an urban lifestyle with the tranquillity of nature to boldly revitalise an existing three-storey home.
Initially approached by the clients to enhance the residence’s kitchen and storage facilities, FAME Architecture & Design draws inspiration from the site’s two juxtaposing vistas – one towards the sprawling city and the other towards the jungle-like rear garden – to craft a series of interventions that explore the beauty of dualities. According to David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, founders of FAME Architecture & Design, transformation is the main concept of the dwelling, which is expressed through openness, variety and colour. “The home embraces variety to create a dynamic living experience expressive of the client. It is at once austere and cosy, bold and comfortable,” says Lee.
A spacious kitchen lies at the heart of the transformation and has been reimagined from a small studio cooking space into an elevated “action kitchen”. The room is punctuated by a 15-foot, white stone countertop and cantilevered island that double as a dining and entertaining zone while also creating a focal point that guides the eye towards the verdant garden beyond.
An interlocking sequence of translucent, black-framed floating cabinets builds further energy from the kitchen to the garden, which are separated by an operable glass wall. Embracing the limited space, FAME Architecture & Design strategically inserts a full-length shallow pantry with orange internal finishes and high storage spaces that are made reachable with a striking library-style ladder. “Overall, the kitchen was designed to perform like a professional one, but feel elevated and refined,” says Bourderonnet.
The restored living room layers contrasting elements to elevate its elegance and dynamism. Dark, marble-textured millwork encircles the existing fireplace, creating a sculptural feature that adds depth to the predominantly light-toned room. A subtle nook is cut below the living room window, creating a new gesture for rest and relaxation as well as a closer connection to the street.
The living room walls are infused with vibrancy and texture through a custom artwork by Paul Villinski that showcases entangled blue butterflies. It is these moments of whimsy that are pivotal to the clients’ brief, manifesting throughout Nabi House in the form of art, brightly coloured furniture pieces and bursts of intriguing compositional elements. Nonetheless, a warmly furnished entertainment space in Nabi House’s basement radiates understated luxury and offers a calming retreat.
Upstairs, the completely reconfigured main bedroom epitomises tranquillity, with soft textures and restrained material hues defined by a palette of light leather, timber and a silk shaggy rug.
Upstairs, the completely reconfigured main bedroom epitomises tranquillity, with soft textures and restrained material hues defined by a palette of light leather, timber and a silk shaggy rug. A floor-to-ceiling inset cabinet anchors the bedroom and adds a touch of drama and opulence to the room with its dark, glossy finish, while the bed is oriented to face the panoramic cityscape through retractable glazing.
Natural light floods the main ensuite bathroom that sits behind a slatted timber divider, accentuating the vanity and skylit bathtub to evoke an oasis retreat. FAME Architecture & Design’s emphasis on capturing natural light fosters spatial cohesion and flow within the spaces upstairs, which was central to the studio’s intention to create a feeling of lightness and harmony within the revitalised home.
Architecture and interior design by FAME Architecture & Design. Artwork by Paul Villinski, Kamran Samimi, Cas Friese and Coen Pohl.
