How This Iconic Cliffside Mansion Became a Beacon of Sustainable Design

What historic homes offer in spades when it comes to charm, they tend to lack in environmental consciousness. Luckily, though, one early 19th-century residence in San Francisco is going green in a big way, courtesy of designers Marnie Wright and Sondra Ganz (both of whom head their own firms in the area), who teamed up to transform a famous cliffside mansion overlooking the Pacific. The home in question belongs to an equally famed couple: philanthropists and environmental activists Kat Taylor and Tom Steyer. "Since the Taylor-Steyer family always prioritizes environmental health and green initiatives, we implemented a multi-faceted approach to design and procurement when it came to finishing and furnishing the 1938 home," Ganz says.

The duo performed a significant gut renovation to the four-bedroom residence with a serious focus on sustainability. They added solar panels, incorporated all-electric systems, swapped the existing single-pane wood windows with new aluminum-clad framed alternatives, and upgraded the structure to meet current seismic standards. Wright and Ganz's efforts didn't stop at the architectural details, though; they also managed to add a massive collection of vintage and antique furniture, while enlisting local and domestic artisans to round out the scheme with bespoke contemporary pieces.

Though sustainability was a driving force behind Wright's and Ganz's design, it wasn't the only priority. "It's rare to have the privilege of designing around a world-class art collection, and in this case, that became both the guiding light and the greatest luxury," Wright says. "Each room was carefully shaped in dialogue with a specific piece of art, which added an emotional richness to the process and the results."

All of it—the furnishings, the layout, and the architectural elements—work together to not only upgrade an old building nestled into a centuries-old cliffside, but make it shine in the best way possible. Ganz adds, "It feels like a home that belongs here, without trying too hard to be noticed."

Every design decision supports the rhythm of their life, with spaces that are inviting and unpretentious.

LIVING ROOM

This airy space doubles as a "concert hall" when the homeowners entertain friends.

"The living room serves as the primary entertainment space. Anyone who knows Kat understands her deep passion for music. You'll often find her and their friends singing, dancing, and playing guitar throughout the home—especially in the living room during large gatherings," Wright says. "She's performed with artists including Jackson Browne and even Barack Obama, and is known for throwing unforgettable parties where music is always at the heart of the experience."

"The color palette was directly inspired by the artwork," Ganz adds of the bold hues seen in the living room. "We began with their iconic Green River Divide painting by Wayne Thiebaud, a centerpiece of their collection before the renovation. From this, we drew complementary blues and greens, balanced by warm, earthy neutrals like terra cotta and ochre."

DINING ROOM

As is the case throughout the home, the art is the centerpiece of the dining room.

"The painting was a gift to Kat by her husband, and this was the only wall in the house that was large enough to accommodate it," Ganz explains. "They have an extraordinary art collection, and the dining room showcases one of their favorites: a breathtaking large-scale work by Hung Liu."

KITCHEN

Though the entire house received a gut renovation, the kitchen underwent the most dramatic change.

"The new kitchen design was a complete overhaul from the existing conditions. We removed multiple walls and reoriented the entire layout to create an open floor plan with a much stronger connection between the kitchen, living areas, and views," says Ganz.

"As for the pared-down aesthetic, that was very much intentional," Ganz adds. "Kat takes pride in living simply and authentically. She prefers her kitchen to feel approachable, not ornamental or over-designed."

POWDER ROOM

The petite space is an ode to the client's native California.

"As a lifelong Californian, Kat inspired us to weave subtle homages to the state throughout the design. In the powder room, the California poppy served as our muse, setting the tone for a bright and cheerful palette," says Ganz.

OUTDOOR PATIO

The patio and sauna offer a true al fresco oasis for family and friends.

"Directly adjacent to the living room, the dining area and fire pit lounge (not pictured) create a perfect 'spillover' entertainment space when the patio doors are opened during large gatherings," explains Wright. "The goal was to create a garden environment that reflects the world-renowned preservationist ethics and sustainability ethos of our client. We updated the aesthetics while taking a sensitive approach to preserving some existing structural elements."

"Tucked just behind the kitchen and in front of the vegetable garden, [the sauna] is a beautiful, functional addition to the property. Kat generously opens it up to the community of ocean swimmers, who stop by daily to warm up and recover after chilly swims at nearby China Beach," says Ganz. "It's a bit surreal—in the best way—to be at their home and see so many athletes casually coming and going from this peaceful little spot."

STUDY

Cozy and intimate, this serene space invites a moment of reflection.

"The study is one of just three rooms in the whole home without a view of the Bay, so we saw it as an opportunity to create something more intimate, cozy, and inward-facing," Ganz explains. "It functions as a tucked-away space for Zoom calls, and as a reading room."

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Forgoing window treatments, the main bedroom puts an epic view on full display.

"With sweeping, unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge and China Beach below, the couple was adamant about keeping the windows bare so nothing would distract from the scenery," Wright notes of the primary bedroom, which strikes a modern and minimalistic note. "Kat wanted the space to feel simple, serene, and deeply connected to the landscape."

PRIMARY BATH

Let there be blue.

"Our client has always gravitated toward shades of blue, which shows up throughout their art collection and in key pieces elsewhere in the house," Ganz explains. "Kat's deep love of the ocean (she swims in it daily) made the palette feel especially personal. We chose this ethereal Calico wallpaper for its soft, water-like movement and layered tone, which brings in a cheerful, yet grounded energy. The white oak cabinetry adds warmth, while matte black fixtures give it a crisp, modern edge."

READING NOOK

Believe it or not, this nook lives under the main staircase.

"This is a sweet little spot we carved out for Kat and Tom's grandchildren; you can sneak in through a small doorway off the living room," says Ganz. "Since the Taylor-Steyer family loves to read, it felt natural (and really fun) to create a space just for that. We filled the shelves with their collection of antique children's books and then mixed in some toys and games."

EXTERIOR

The home was originally designed in 1938 by Albert Farr and Joseph Ward.

"Kat Taylor is a radically honest, kind-hearted, and casual person, so the design of her home, both inside and out, needed to reflect those qualities," Ganz insists. "She's not interested in anything showy or performative. Everything we design for her is always grounded in intention, responsibility, and meaning."