450 Hayes, Handel Architects' low-rise residential building in the Hayes Valley neighborhood in San Francisco, was recently honored with a Merit Award by the California Chapter of the AIA.

The irregularly shaped building site was a result of the construction, and subsequent demolition, of the Central Freeway which previously cut through the area. The resultant project is actually two buildings, connected by an internal courtyard that runs the east-west width of the site with bridges connecting the two structures. The north-facing building fronts Ivy Street, while the south facing one fronts Hayes Street. There are 41 residential units in total, with ground floor retail on Hayes Street.

Both buildings are defined by a pattern of wood panels that create a kinetic rhythm along the street.