As our Vic Loft project reached completion, our clients were able to move back into a beautiful new bedroom, brand new closet and bathroom, and a charming little transom window, all tailored to let the light in, and transform the loft into a welcoming home.
We started with a loft in the historic Vic building, perched atop a former (and quickly shuttered) bank, built circa 1929. The facade is rich with history and granite columns, and centered in the blossoming residential quarter of Lakeview—a perfect locale for our clients, except for the not so small detail that was preventing them from fully enjoying their new loft. Due to the lack of walls in the loft, there was no separation between the bedroom, living room and kitchen; and the lowered ceiling of the bathroom made it quite dark and unpleasant. While the clients loved the open plan of their loft, and treasured its versatility, we thought of a way we could preserve the flexibility of the open floor, while also delivering the separation they were after. Below, our solution: a set of four custom maple bookcases, built on tracks, endlessly malleable to the whims of parties, privacy, and all scenarios in between. Check out Part I and Part II of this project including documentation of the construction and trip to our millwork studio.
From the bedroom perspective, the bookcases are split into dual functions: books (and clocks, keys, etc.) on the top three shelves, and clothing storage in the bottom three drawers.
The existing mechanical duct posed a slight challenge. We decided to let it blast through the upper cabinets.
Custom Shoji doors continue to let light circulate the house, while a frosted glass interior window between the hallway and the bedroom allow light to permeate the inner quarters of the house as well as rooms that are flush with outdoor windows.
To eliminate hardware, finger pulls were routed into the side of the shelf to assist with the glide. Also a fixed obscured glass window was inserted into the bedroom to transfer light to the entry hall.
Below, our transom window, built above the door to the bathroom, is easily rotated shut, open or partially open, to keep both fresh air and natural light abundant throughout the apartment.
Our custom coat hooks make organizing even simpler and cleaner.
And here’s the exterior of the Vic Lofts, surrounded by light and street life.
