Switchback House by Edmonds + Lee Architects
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- May 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 22
Summary
Architects: Edmonds + Lee Architects
Manufacturers: AXOR, Hansgrohe, Azek, Acrylic Resin, Blomberg, Jausas, La Cantina
Construction Engineer: Double-D Engineering
Contractor: Devlin McNally
Location: San Francisco, California
Type: Private Residence
Area: 3800 ft²
Year: 2016
Description
When architects Vivian Lee and Robert Edmonds set out to design their own home in San Francisco, they approached it from the perspectives of both designers and clients, blending personal vision with practical constraints and deep professional experience. The result, Switchback House, is a dynamic, multi-level residence that challenges traditional residential typologies and reflects the creative freedom that comes from designing for oneself.
Situated on a narrow urban lot, the four-story structure was designed with their growing family in mind. The couple prioritized proximity, flexibility, and long-term livability—resisting the common tendency to tuck children away in attics or basements. Instead, they reimagined the vertical plan, placing private bedrooms on lower floors and carving out a bright, open living space on the top level. This inverted plan fosters a loft-like experience that captures expansive sky views while preserving a strong connection to the neighborhood below.
Drawing from their background in multifamily housing, Edmonds and Lee embraced the urban density of their site. Rather than walling themselves off from the city, they welcomed it, celebrating compact living and smart design as acts of architectural optimism. Their decision to divide the structure into two units, one of which functions as a rental, was a deliberate nod to economic pragmatism and urban flexibility. The home can easily convert into a single-family residence when needed, reflecting their commitment to adaptable, human-centered design.
Material choices reflect a refined minimalism shaped by real-world constraints. Painted steel stairs, drywall guardrails, and pre-manufactured exterior trim deliver elegance through restraint. Corian sinks and cleverly customized IKEA shelving create a custom-built aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Every detail, from the rhythmic façade to the precisely measured millwork, was shaped by a balance of economy and intention. For Edmonds and Lee, the process echoed the spirit of their architectural training—equal parts constraint and creative experimentation, budget and boldness.
Switchback House is a design manifesto that proves great architecture doesn’t rely on excess. It’s a home born from rigor, resourcefulness, and the unique intimacy of architects designing not solely for their clients, but for themselves and the life they’re actively building within.
Project Gallery
Contact
Website: www.edmondslee.com
Phone: (415) 285-1300
Address: 2601 Mission Street, Suite 503, San Francisco, CA 94110
General Inquiries: info@edmondslee.com
Employment Opportunities: jobs@edmondslee.com
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