Boor Bridges Architecture along with contractor Jeff King & Co. designed a live/work loft in an historic brick building in the SOMA (South of Market) neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Called “Heron Studio” the 8,000 square foot property is spread out over two levels. The clients wished to renovate the structure to be used for live, work, art making and entertaining. The architects had originally transformed this brick warehouse back in 2006, previously known as the LeeQuen Atelier.
The architects approach for the design was more responsive and explorative. The project team focused on visual impact while giving the client what they wished for, a casual and open floorplan. Adding to the existing plan is a guest bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and communal restrooms. The aesthetics are both industrial and utilitarian, created to serve the structure’s three primary uses: live, work, entertain.
The lower level is the perfect space for an event, with its concrete flooring and stainless steel communal bathroom. The upper level boasts Douglas fir flooring and stair treads (which also serve as a solid slab for the work desk and shelving) this infuses warmth for a homey feel.
According to Jeff King & Co., they “custom manufactured perforated steel hanging lights throughout, in addition to steel hung sliding barn doors and a steel-stringer staircase.” Geremia Design was responsible for the brilliant interiors scheme of this renovation project. Have a look at one of the designer’s other projects we featured here: Victorian family home designed for stylish living in Noe Valley.
What We Love: This modern and highly-functional live/work/event space has a sleek industrial aesthetic with added warmth that helps make it feel cozy. The rooftop deck looks like a fantastic spot to entertain or curl up with a good book or your laptop and enjoy the amazing city views. We love the preserved details from what was once a commercial laundry turned fashion atelier and now is enjoyed as a repurposed space.
Readers, what do you think of the design of this loft? Could you live and work in the same space? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Above: The guest bedroom features an industrial steel perforated light fixture.
Above: An industrial barn door sitting on rails helps to close off the guest bedroom for privacy. When open, it becomes part of the open plan layout.
Above: “An over-scaled, custom steel and glass door grounds the design as a throwback to the building’s earlier use as a commercial laundry,” states the architects.
Above: Sculptural LED lighting adds an artful touch and helps define the spatial zones.
Above: A new staircase tempts you up to a rooftop deck, accessible through a sliding skylight. This also functions to illuminate the loft space below with natural light. The stair treads are Douglas Fir. Steel shelving above the wood desktop is integrated with the staircase.
Above: “Riveted steel I-beam columns and tall arched windows nod to an old firehouse trademark while brand new architectural elements (such as a retractable skylight for roof access) bring a contemporary flair,” states Jeff King & Company.
Above: The Ipe wood clad roof deck is accessed from the staircase below, through a custom retractable skylight. It opens and closes at the push of a button.
Photos: Cesar Rubio
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