Having one child and another on the way, our clients were interested in a place they could re-shape as their family grew. They were interested in the loft building’s history, its distinctive cast iron structure, and the sheer volume of space afforded by the apartment’s 13-foot high ceilings. We developed a design that prioritized views, light and connectedness between spaces over private, compartmentalized rooms. As such, the project is an example of adapting architecture from our city’s past - in this case a 1890s department store - to suit contemporary needs and lifestyles.

A system of custom metal shelves and perforated screens frame space and filter light and view, articulating discrete program areas while allowing the spaces to feel spacious and connected. The screens’ vertical elements are powder-coated steel to appear as thin and weightless as possible. The horizontal shelves are walnut to relate to the palette of flooring and custom cabinetry, and the perforated screens are a custom pattern that echos decorative motifs on the cast iron columns.

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