Construction Highlight: 328 Cumberland
Transforming a 1,500 square-foot home built in 1928 into a 4,300 contemporary residence comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when one of those challenges is a global pandemic.
FORMA began construction on an exciting new project back in 2018 and things were running as smoothly as they could be until March of 2020 when COVID-19 hit. Construction on a house of this size takes a large team of people working closely together. With the shut down and various restrictions, it was impossible to have the necessary team while keeping everyone safe and healthy. Due to this, the home was built over the course of five years.
The result? 328 Cumberland: A modern estate placed atop the apex of the most sought-after block in Dolores Heights with views from the Sutro Tower to the Financial District.
Expanding the home
Aside from the looming challenge of the pandemic, our team took on the challenge of being both the developer and contractor for this home renovation and remodel. The first steps to prepare this home for modern-day living was to expand. The zero-lot line home presented us with the seemingly impossible task of constructing the necessary underpinning of neighboring structures to create an entirely new level to enjoy. The subterranean level would give the homeowner more space and more storage, something that can be hard to come by in the city.
Upon expanding, our team began infrastructural upgrades that were imperative to the integrity of the home. 650 cubic yards of soil were excavated (equivalent to approximately 80 transport trucks), 21 piles were drilled at depths of 40 to 50 feet, 26 piers were added that descended 25 feet below the earth and 300 yards of concrete (equal to 33 concrete trucks) were poured to ensure a solid structure. To further fortify the property’s perimeter, 1,880 linear feet of steel soldier beams were embedded into the foundation.
The expansion alone took 11 months to complete.
The End Result
After five years of hard work and dedication, 328 Cumberland opened its doors and was put on the market. Views were met with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end kitchen appliances, marble showers, countertops and a fireplace, custom millwork, cutting-edge AV solutions, sophisticated lighting controls, statement staircase, custom hand-painted outlets to seamlessly blend into the marble backsplashes and the highlight: a rooftop terrace with glass railings that allow for unobscured views of the city below.
328 Cumberland was made for entertaining. With multiple spaces to gather, a custom wet bar, state-of-the-art kitchen with multiple sinks and endless storage, it’s the perfect home to share with friends and family.
A larger home called for a larger than life backyard. What began as desolate and dry dirt was meticulously manicured into a lush outdoor escape. Multiple levels of grass and greenery are complemented by a wooden fence in a warm hue that provides both style and privacy.
Year after year, challenge after challenge, our team stayed the course and delivered a beautifully modern and contemporary home that will last for years to come.
