![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_hero-3-852x479.jpg)
Jensen Architects adds contemporary rear facade and pared-down interiors to historic San Francisco house
US firm Jensen Architects has revamped a Victorian home in San Francisco with perforated aluminium panels across the back and minimalist interiors to match.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1141.jpg)
The local firm was awarded 2017 AIA San Francisco Historic Preservation Commendation Award for Alamo Square Residence, which features a blend of original and contemporary elements.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x636.jpg)
Victorian houses are a hallmark of San Francisco's architecture, characterised by their colourful facades, front-facing gables, and detailed features. "From the street, the original 1889 facade was faithfully restored, and appears to have been dipped in a modern bath of silver paint, hinting at the transformation within," said Jensen Architects.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x1137.jpg)
The back of the home is a stark contrast, with fully glazed walls that are covered in sliding aluminium screens. The combination of contemporary design with historic preservation distinguish the structure from others in the neighbourhood.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x636.jpg)
The four-storey building has a garage, three bedrooms, an office and a separate family room all below the main living area on the third level. Here, a kitchen, dining and living room are designed with an open floor plan and feature wide-plank flooring.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x636.jpg)
A dark blue island sits centrally in the all-white kitchen and has a windowed cabinet for additional storage. An eating nook to the right showcases the aluminium sliding panels, which serve as window treatments to control sunlight and privacy.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x1138.jpg)
An open-air dining room off the kitchen has a built-in bench that runs along the entirety of the wall. The bench meets up against an A-line fireplace in the living room, which is covered in white subway tiles.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x636.jpg)
The focal point of Alamo Square Residence is the contemporary wooden staircase that ascends through the centre of the home. Its sharp angles form a spiral, with thick railings – or half walls – adding to its bulkiness.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x1142.jpg)
The stairway opens to the rooftop where sun shines through a light well. The roof has extensive views of the area and is decorated with a brightly coloured couch and a chair. Jensen Architects partnered with local firm Hulburd Design for the home's furnishings.
![Alamo Square Residence by Jensen Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/08/alamo-square-residence-jensen-architects_dezeen_2364_col_19-e1586467591505-852x728.jpg)
The renovation approach is not typical of many recent San Francisco projects, which have favoured fully replacing historic homes with contemporary houses. Examples include a black-grey house by Edmonds + Lee Architects and a residence covered with wooden slats by IwamotoScott.
Photography is by Joe Fletcher.