Diamond in the rough

The rejuvenation of old office buildings into loft-style residences presents a range of challenges. The primary one is the creation of a space that can accommodate modern living. This can be tricky given that these buildings were initially designed for a completely different purpose.

Originally built in the 1850s, this Neoclassical design as a cast iron and limestone facade, though the six-story building is primarily wood construction. Similar buildings, one either side of it, constrain the windows to the front and rear of the building.

Architect and owner David Howell relished the opportunity to re-fit his family's loft, seeing it as a chance to do something fun. The 3000sq ft loft had once been a practice space for an international band and was in a state of disrepair when purchased, so the architect had virtually a blank canvas to work with.

He identifies his main problem as overcoming the limited natural light sources available and designing an interior that was spacious but didn't make the inhabitants feel like they were living in a large box with doors.

"The windows to the rear of the building are closed off by the bedrooms so we established a large, open-plan living area that allows natural light from the front windows to filter through as much of the space as possible," Howell says.

The main entrance is through an iron door that opens directly from an elevator into the cavernous living space. The floor expanse is rectangularin shape and penetrates deep into the interior of the loft. This establishes a spacious and elongated room, which is punctuated by groupings of furniture, cabinetry and shelving. The placement of these items delineates the kitchen, dining and living areas.

Curtains are used to close off the guest room and the pantry. A nook to the left of the main door is used as a library, while an anteroom on the right leads to the laundry, a bathroom and a storage closet.

"These add a dimension of depth and intrigue, and createthe impression that there is much more space beyond that of the main living room," Howell says.

Floorboards are five inch-wide black American walnut hardwood. An epoxy resin border is used in lieu skirting boards, subtly shifting the living space back a foot or so from the walls, which are off-limits to everything other than art. The walls are also raised slightly off the floor to give the impression that the space beyond is connected.

Cylindrical columns positioned along the central axis of the loft are made of 150 year old Oregon pine and are part of the structure of the building. Floorboards are placed lengthways along the path of the columns, serving to segment the large living space and lessen any box-like effect.

Walls are painted to match the tones in the furnishings. They create a neutral backdrop and allow the colors and textures of artwork on display to have more visual impact.

The kitchen is constructed to appear as unobtrusive as possible, and to be almost nonexistent when not in use. Like most shelving and cupboards in the apartment, the kitchen island and cupboards are pared back to create a streamlined appearance. This helps to maintain the sense of spaciousness in the loft.

"We didn't want the kitchen to be a visual distraction, especially when it wasn't being used," the architect says.

A long shelf above the countertop displaying some small artworks, and an office lamp attached to the wall draw eyes away from appliances.

All other rooms in the apartment feed directly off the main living area and are positioned around the perimeter of the loft. In doing this, the architect was conscious of creating elements of discovery and visual interest.

Story by: Trendsideas