Richardson Apartments, San Fransisco

CSI Architectural Metal Scope

CSI Architectural Metal supplied the architectural zinc façade system used on the building’s signature curved corner.

Fabrication Scope

Architectural zinc façade system
Custom Double Standing Seam panels
Project-specific flashing and trim
Precision-fabricated façade components
Custom perimeter details

RHEINZINK officially credits CSI, Carson, California as the distributor for the project, with installation completed by Van Mulder Sheet Metal.

Material

RHEINZINK® prePATINA®

The façade combines two factory-weathered titanium zinc finishes:

prePATINA Graphite-Grey

prePATINA Blue-Grey

These finishes were selected for their natural appearance, exceptional durability, and ability to develop a stable protective patina without painting or ongoing maintenance.

Architectural Expression

The building’s defining architectural feature is its sweeping convex corner, clad in zinc and complemented by warm wood accents. David Baker Architects intentionally concentrated the premium materials on this highly visible intersection to create a memorable civic landmark while balancing the remainder of the building with economical yet durable materials.

The zinc cladding provides:

A timeless appearance
Long-term weather resistance
Crisp standing seam geometry
Rich contrast with reclaimed wood
A refined focal point for the neighborhood.

Technical Specifications

Project: Richardson Apartments

Location: San Francisco, California

Architect: David Baker Architects

Client: City of San Francisco

Facade System: Double Standing Seam

Material:

RHEINZINK prePATINA Graphite-Grey
RHEINZINK prePATINA Blue-Grey

Distributor: CSI Architectural Metal, Carson, California

Installer: Van Mulder Sheet Metal, San Leandro, California

CSI Contribution

The success of the zinc façade relied on precision fabrication and close coordination between the design team, installer, and fabricator. CSI Architectural Metal supplied the custom architectural zinc components that define the building’s most recognizable exterior feature.

The curved façade required meticulous fabrication to maintain consistent seam spacing, crisp panel alignment, and clean transitions around the building’s complex geometry. The result is a façade that demonstrates the versatility of architectural zinc while providing decades of low-maintenance performance in San Francisco’s coastal environment.

Project Recognition

Richardson Apartments has received numerous national and regional awards, including:

AIA/HUD Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing Design
AIA San Francisco Design Award
Gold Nugget Grand Award – Residential Project of the Year
Residential Architect Design Award
American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence

CSI Portfolio Highlights

Project: Richardson Apartments
Location: San Francisco, California
Architect: David Baker Architects
Completion: 2011
System: Double Standing Seam Façade
Material: RHEINZINK prePATINA Blue-Grey & Graphite-Grey
CSI Role: Architectural zinc distributor and façade fabrication partner
Installer: Van Mulder Sheet Metal
Building Type: Mixed-use affordable housing
Recognition: Nationally award-winning architectural project

Architect: David Baker Architects
Completed: 2011

Project Overview

Richardson Apartments is an award-winning mixed-use affordable housing development located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood. Designed by David Baker Architects, the five-story building provides 120 permanent supportive studio apartments for formerly unhoused residents while incorporating ground-floor retail and community services.

Constructed on land made available after the removal of the Central Freeway, the project demonstrates that affordable housing can achieve the same architectural quality, material selection, and urban presence as high-end residential developments. The building has received numerous architectural awards for its thoughtful planning, sustainable design, and positive impact on the neighborhood.

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