Schiff House

None
Good

Schiff House

Site overview

Located in the Marina District, Schiff House was designed by renowned Modern architect, Richard Neutra. The house is on three levels and the sleeping quarters are at the upper level facing a terrace overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite the relatively small footprint, the interiors are spacious with generous openings toward the surrounding areas. In 1995, the original owner from Berlin, Mrs. Schiff, sold the house to the current proprietor. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art bought the original furniture commissioned by Neutra.
Completion

1937

Commission / Completion details

Commission unknown, completion 1937(e).

Current Use

Private two-family residence

Current Condition

Very good. The current owners are restoring most of the building to approximate its appearance in 1939 although there will still be modern kitchens and some newer floor coverings. The garden has been redesigned.

General Assessment

This building shows the modern machine aesthitic in a urban rowhouse application unique for its time. The treatment is both unabashedly functional and non-traditional. Neutra was one of the earliest European architects to introduce modernism into the United States and this house remains one of the region√.s purest modern works.