The loft occupies the sixth floor of a recently completed eight-story building in Tribeca. The project involved the interior renovation of the entire 3,500-square-foot space. The existing building, designed by others, is meant to mimic the historic character of the former industrial neighborhood. Renovation of the space was completed in March 2013.
The project evolved from an initial focus on the main public spaces and master bedroom suite. Being a first renovation project for the client, the approach to the design began with acceptance (drawings/models), followed by hesitancy (mockups/framing), then rejection (continuous full-size mockups and exploration), until the project became a fluid laboratory for ideas and the perfection of fabrication and execution of construction. This process has resulted in a rewarding experience for the design team and the client, with both willing to expend the time and resources to search.
The design strategy from inception was to develop a counter intuitive direction from the minimal obedience and neutrality of typical loft design. The loft required a visceral anchoring and tactility of material offering density and authenticity. Inserted longitudinally and faceted in plan is the insertion of a stone wall active in surface geometry and sectional movement. The wall separates the public and private areas of the loft.
Color spectrum is experienced as a movement through grays, blacks, and vibrating white. As an extension from the architecture, the design strategy informs the orientation, location, and design of the majority of furniture, including dining table and light fixture, side table, master bed, and millwork.