- Project: The Farm
- Architect: Feldman Architecture
- Location: United States, San Francisco, California
- Year: 2016
- Area: 430 m2
- Photography: Matthew Millman
Feldman Architecture reimagined a 1912 shingle-and-brick Edwardian home in San Francisco, California, creating The Farm — a sustainable, light-filled retreat that balances historic charm with contemporary function. Completed in 2014, this project transformed an aging, underutilized structure into a high-performance, LEED Platinum-certified residence designed for a modern family.
Located on a rare oversized lot in the city, the house earned its playful moniker “The Farm” for its rural atmosphere amid the urban density of San Francisco. Despite its nostalgic New England character, the original home suffered from dark, cramped interiors, outdated systems, and no access to the rear yard or basement.
Respecting the Past While Building for the Future
The clients envisioned a home that honored the historic character of the original building while introducing sustainable features and a layout suited to family life. The team at Feldman Architecture respected the home’s Edwardian bones while reworking the plan to embrace natural light, openness, and indoor-outdoor connectivity.
A central stair topped with skylights now serves as the home’s luminous core, drawing daylight deep into the interior. New French doors on multiple levels open directly onto newly landscaped gardens, providing a fresh connection to nature and expanding usable space.
Hidden Sustainability at the Core
Though subtle in appearance, The Farm integrates numerous advanced sustainability features:
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Rainwater and greywater harvesting systems with tanks concealed under the deck
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HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) system for healthy indoor air with minimal energy loss
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A large solar array powering domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and electricity
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Non-toxic and sustainably sourced materials
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Integrated energy and water usage monitoring systems
These features allowed the home to achieve LEED Platinum certification—demonstrating Feldman Architecture’s commitment to forward-thinking, eco-conscious design.
A Contemporary Interior Within a Historic Shell
Internally, The Farm maintains a balance between old and new. The reworked layout opens previously closed-off spaces, creating efficient, family-friendly living zones. Materials and detailing are kept simple and refined, letting the timeless textures of brick and shingle coexist with modern finishes and energy-efficient systems.
As seen in other Feldman Architecture projects, the firm’s signature attention to light, flow, and sustainability defines the success of this adaptive reuse home.
“The challenge was honoring the soul of the house while future-proofing it. The Farm is a celebration of timeless charm blended with performance-driven innovation,” notes the team.
