Over the past 15 years Solas has undertaken a large number of residential refurbishment projects for USF. These projects followed the purchase of single-family houses and small apartment buildings by USF to house their faculty staff. They are all located in the neighborhood that adjoins their San Francisco campus. The projects involve renovation, adaptation and additions and incorporate full seismic, accessibility, fire life safety, Title 24 and MEP retrofits.

When generating new layouts in these buildings we emphasize the importance of natural light and view to the public street and to the private yard. Living and dining areas are located in the most prominent and qualitative spaces with direct access to qualitative external private space. The role of circulation and its potential to contribute to the overall quality and experience of the dwelling is a cornerstone to our approach. Underpinning all of these strategies is our sensitivity to planning and detailing in these historically significant buildings.