Space to Breathe | Curran House: A transformative 67-unit affordable housing project in San Francisco, designed to provide solace and connection to nature for individuals and families overcoming poverty and homelessness.
This high density, 67 unit, affordable housing project in San Francisco, California is designed for tenants who have faced the difficulties of poverty or homelessness. Built on a former parking lot, it now houses 200 people, including ten families that were previously homeless. The design is based on the idea that everyone deserves the solace of nature in their daily lives.
Design Award in Architecture - AIA, California Council
Honor Award in General Design - American Society of Landscape Architects
Merit Award in Design - American Society of Landscape Architects, Northern California Chapter
Citation Award for Excellence in Architecture - AIA, San Francisco Chapter
Builder’s Choice Special Focus Award, Urban Gardens - Builder magazine
National Grand Award, Affordable Housing - Residential Architect magazine
Location: San Francisco, CA
Architect: David Baker + Partners
Photography: Marion Brenner, Brian Rose and ACL
Curran House emphasizes the role of landscape as sanctuary in a violent world. Intentionally designed and programmed for passive use, the space is a quiet oasis in the chaotic environment of the Tenderloin district. The gardens offer a “decompression” experience through which residents and visitors enter the building.
The Tenderloin’s proximity to downtown service sector jobs, transportation and services, as well as its sizable immigrant community, make it an important neighborhood for families. Unfortunately, the majority of Tenderloin housing units are residential hotel rooms and studios.
In this neighborhood of nearly 3,500 children, many of whom live with their families in inadequate housing, Curran house is a rare and wonderful addition. Curran House residents have access to an on-site social worker and TNDC’s After School Program for Youth.
Curran House sends the message that families should live in buildings that offer a sense of comfort and respect–regardless of income.
Architectural Record, Feb. 2006
The design is divided of three distinct areas: a garden through which residents and visitors enter the building and leave behind the harsh urban neighborhood surrounding it, a ground-level oasis courtyard in the rear of the building, and a roof garden with rotating individual garden plots for tenants.
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