SOMA HOUSE

San Francisco, California

2001 / 2008

The heightened grittiness of the neighborhood – ceaseless graffiti – has necessitated a complete material transformation of the façade of the 4,500 sf courtyard house. A screen of stainless-steel panels is replacing the original Cor-ten steel in a move to adapt to the new urban con- dition rather than fight it. Remaining is the four-panel translucent-glass building wall. Behind the perforated steel is another translucent glass wall, with which the small holes act as a camera obscura, projecting inside the abstracted kinetic energy of the street. In contrast with this element of visual complexity, the interior spaces are voluminous and serene: an introverted environment of light and calm.






The building is a radical expression of industrial minimalism and an object of wonder.

Set in a transitional part of town, the building that Jennings designed captures the spirit of the place yet transforms it.

From the street, none of his optical manipulation is apparent, adding to the house’s aura of mystery.

Architectural Record 04/02: Record Houses

This two-story, 4,500-square-foot house, with its unique program and stunning character, is the first wave set to redefine an entire neighborhood.

Abstract (Belgium) 09/02