David Baker Architects completes "folded" facade skyscraper on San Francisco's Treasure Island

Treasure Island's transformation into a sustainable residential community showcases the rise of artificial islands and waterfront regeneration projects globally.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:31am by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco's Treasure Island is undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis, evolving from a former military base and exposition site into a vibrant, sustainable residential community. The recently completed tower by David Baker Architects, with its striking 'folded' facade, is a symbol of this larger trend of reimagining urban waterfronts as hubs for resilient, eco-conscious living. This project, alongside similar developments globally, signals a shift in how we approach city planning and coastal development.

Why it matters

Treasure Island's development is part of a global trend of cities looking to expand onto the water or revitalize existing waterfront areas, driven by a commitment to creating dynamic, adaptable spaces that address the challenges of a changing world. These projects prioritize sustainable design principles to enhance resilience, biodiversity, and integration with the natural landscape.

The details

The Treasure Island tower by David Baker Architects features a 'folded' facade inspired by San Francisco's classic bay windows, maximizing views, daylight, and usable space. The emphasis on exposed concrete, wood, and ceramic elements creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the large communal areas foster a sense of community. Sustainable elements include resilient infrastructure, green spaces, sustainable materials, water management, and renewable energy.

  • The Treasure Island tower was recently completed in January 2026.

The players

David Baker Architects

The architecture firm that designed the Treasure Island tower with its striking 'folded' facade.

Treasure Island Community Development

The developers leading the transformation of Treasure Island into a sustainable residential community, emphasizing environmental restoration and resilience.

CMG Landscape Architects

The firm responsible for designing the expansive parks on Treasure Island.

Walter Hood

The landscape architect who collaborated on the design of the parks on Treasure Island.

Pedram Farashbandi

The principal at David Baker Architects who highlighted the use of light-colored materials as a strategy to minimize the urban heat island effect and blend the development with the natural landscape.

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What they’re saying

“The use of light-colored materials is a deliberate strategy to minimize the urban heat island effect and blend the development with the natural landscape.”

— Pedram Farashbandi, Principal, David Baker Architects (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Treasure Island Community Development plans to continue the transformation of the island, with additional sustainable residential and commercial projects in the pipeline.

The takeaway

The Treasure Island tower by David Baker Architects is a prime example of how architecture and sustainable design can shape the future of waterfront communities, addressing challenges like climate change, land scarcity, and the need for resilient, eco-conscious living spaces.