SAN FRANCISCO LOFT
It’s impeccable… well edited and really well executed. - design award juror comment
An interior renovation of a 1,200 SF loft in a former paper warehouse in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco.
The owner had been living in the space since the early 90’s and was one of the first tenants in the original development (its conversion from 1900’s era warehouse to apartments). He came to us with a clear objective: Combine the functionally discrete ‘private’ domestic programs of a living space with its more ‘public’ areas in a relatively compact space that would feel completely open and uninterrupted. This was achieved through two programmed sculptural elements: 1) a multi- sided and cabinetry clad ‘spine’ that moves from one end of the loft to the other and 2) a solid form that contains the necessarily enclosed bath and laundry areas. The spine houses everyday domestic components while navigating the subtle boundaries between the entry, sleeping, kitchen and main living areas. A steel beam hidden in the spine supports the casework elements with hidden connections to existing doug-fir columns. On one side are dresser drawers serving the sleeping area and on the other kitchen upper cabinets. The space below is fitted with two single pieces of translucent glazing mitred at the corner and a concealed continuous linear fluorescent lighting fixture. This detail helps the casework appear to float and the lighting creates a lantern effect providing ambient lighting at night. The solid form is carved away (using steel and walnut doors and fixed panels) to reveal points of access to the bath and laundry room. The material character of all of the elements designed for the space (blackened steel. Painted and walnut veneered casework, black granite and translucent glazing) was selected to complement and showcase the existing doug-fir columns, beams and ceiling without overpowering the space.
2014 AIA SF Interior Architecture, Merit Award
2014 Residential Architect Design Award, Interior Architecture
SAN FRANCISCO LOFT
An interior renovation of a 1,200 SF loft in a former paper warehouse in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco.
The owner had been living in the space since the early 90’s and was one of the first tenants in the original development (its conversion from 1900’s era warehouse to apartments). He came to us with a clear objective: Combine the functionally discrete ‘private’ domestic programs of a living space with its more ‘public’ areas in a relatively compact space that would feel completely open and uninterrupted. This was achieved through two programmed sculptural elements: 1) a multi- sided and cabinetry clad ‘spine’ that moves from one end of the loft to the other and 2) a solid form that contains the necessarily enclosed bath and laundry areas. The spine houses everyday domestic components while navigating the subtle boundaries between the entry, sleeping, kitchen and main living areas. A steel beam hidden in the spine supports the casework elements with hidden connections to existing doug-fir columns. On one side are dresser drawers serving the sleeping area and on the other kitchen upper cabinets. The space below is fitted with two single pieces of translucent glazing mitred at the corner and a concealed continuous linear fluorescent lighting fixture. This detail helps the casework appear to float and the lighting creates a lantern effect providing ambient lighting at night. The solid form is carved away (using steel and walnut doors and fixed panels) to reveal points of access to the bath and laundry room. The material character of all of the elements designed for the space (blackened steel. Painted and walnut veneered casework, black granite and translucent glazing) was selected to complement and showcase the existing doug-fir columns, beams and ceiling without overpowering the space.
2014 AIA SF Interior Architecture, Merit Award
2014 Residential Architect Design Award, Interior Architecture