Things are moving ahead at the 1950s remodel where we’re concurrently doing 2 buildings on one lot. Above, the single family house ceiling is taken out to install new recessed lighting. The aluminum window, single-paned and very breezy, is a goner! (to be replaced with a larger, new aluminum window from Gerkin)
I like the look of the exposed rafters but this is just temporary, to be re-sheetrocked. Quite a heap of debris here in the future master bedroom..
The original roof plank sheathing looks like concrete forms – how thrifty of the builders to recycle them! Note the absence of any insulation in this ceiling – typical of many ‘older’ buildings in San Francisco, even from 1959.
Above, some slightly mod original details from the apartment building, unit #2. There are some cool shapes here and the materials are pretty cheap, but I thought I’d document the 1950s efforts. Below, we inserted a PSL into the ceiling to catch the joists, which will give us a flush ceiling surface. There was originally a dropped soffit between the kitchen and living room, which we’re opening up.
Above is the (foggy) view out over San Francisco. The scaffolding is up to install the new windows and siding. We opened up this view wall to have all sliding doors out to the balcony – previously there was a smallish window at waist-height. The balcony will have glass guard rails to maintain the view.
And despite our efforts, a few pesky pigeons have managed to infiltrate and set up roost! Ew…
TO THE STUDS 
