Live/Work Conversion Loft in San Francisco With Vaulted Concrete Ceilings

Live/Work Conversion Loft in San Francisco With Vaulted Concrete Ceilings
Modern Canadian Residence Infusing its Neighborhood with Elegance
Original Residence in Poland Dictated by Modern Living Needs: Two Barns House
Dynamic Details Reinforcing Originality in Contemporary Homes: Pandora Sideboard

Posted: 17 Oct 2014 06:01 AM PDT

Concrete is not usually associated with a warm and welcoming home. In today’s post, we will try to demonstrate that with proper inspiration and decorating skills, beautiful things can occur. This particular live/work conversion loft in SOMA, San Francisco comes with approximately 17-foot-high vaulted concrete ceilings, yet its design can not be described as sober or uninviting. Spotted by Freshome on ClimbSF, this 1,056 sq. ft. 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom apartment features spacious interiors, large industrial-style windows, not to mention a spectacular skylight bringing in an abundance of natural light.

The exposed concrete walls and ceilings are complemented by an array of different textures and finishes, which liven up the interiors. Here is some information regarding the structure of the loft from the project developers: “The kitchen opens up to the living room with a convenient breakfast bar/counter and includes a microwave and a stainless steel oven/range, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The kitchen cabinets and staircase are made of reclaimed wood. The loft bedroom on the mezzanine level has a walk-in closet and a full bathroom with a skylight and a convenient laundry chute; the chute leads to the very spacious half bathroom and laundry room below with a full-size washer and dryer”. What do you think are the interior design tricks that make this place look special?

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Modern Canadian Residence Infusing its Neighborhood with Elegance

Posted: 17 Oct 2014 12:52 AM PDT

Alterations and additions can bring new life to many old buildings and upgrade the neighborhood’s appeal at the same time. Having won a 2014 design excellence award from the Ontario Association of Architects, this three-storey high modern home is located in mid-town Toronto residential neighborhood Moore Park. The modern Canadian residence showcases a defining flexibility created on the grounds on an existing home. Upgrading the neighborhood with an elusive elegance, the Moore Park Residence adapts to its environment through size, materials and creative design by Drew Mandel Architects (DMA).

On an area of 2.880 square feet, the floor-plan unveils a comfortable, flexible nature: ” The ground floor millwork detailing allows an extended table for large family gatherings; four desk areas found throughout the house allow for a variety of home office options; the basement is treated as prime, and not secondary space, in order to maximize the use of available space. The third floor is set back at the front and the rear in order to match existing massing on the street. The landscaping includes three separate areas of living roofs, whilst the third floor terraces offer views of the tree canopy surrounding the neighborhood.”

According to the architects remodeling the home, it represents “the first tear-down replacement on an established street that is characterized by a common model: 1920s-era single-family homes with mutual drives.” The before and after photos at the end will prove how this new and modern Canadian residence dramatically changed its function and appeal. As an inspiring infill house, it is “structured and animated by light and shadow by a board-formed concrete wall, large light well, transparent partitions, and interconnecting void spaces.” This home is a clear example of turning strict rules and regulations into inspiration rather than problems.

Enjoy and let us know which detail caught your attention in the comment section below, we’d love to know!

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Original Residence in Poland Dictated by Modern Living Needs: Two Barns House

Posted: 16 Oct 2014 02:25 PM PDT

Two Barns House by RS+ Architects is located in a quiet northern district of Tychy, Poland, near a forest complex. Access is achieved by cul-de-sac from the main road connecting the plot in its north-west corner. Zoning plans based on the analysis of the urban area imposed roof geometry and the maximum height of the building. The investors requested that the house be open to the south garden, spacious and comfortable. To accomplish this and to split the volume, the architects divided the body of the building in two materially and functionally diferent parts.

The implementation process is briefly described by the project developers as follows: “We turned first shape towards south and include in it the whole day zone. To let residents maneuver their cars easier, we headed second shape toward the entry to the plot. Here we placed the rest of functional areas. In addition, we shifted both solids relative to each other to further enlarge the driveway, which due to the relatively narrow access road must be used to turn back. This procedure also allowed us to create shaded and private part of the terrace, which is directly accessible from the bedroom.

Additionally, parts of the house shade each other so that the master bedroom does not collect direct sunlight in the afternoon, letting the room cool down before the night. We connected both shapes with bright, open and glazed mezzanine”. The quality of the building and its details is the result of high quality materials, good workmanship and constant supervision by designers over the investment. [Information provided via e-mail by Robert Skitek Architects; Photography: Tomasz Zakrzewski]

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Dynamic Details Reinforcing Originality in Contemporary Homes: Pandora Sideboard

Posted: 16 Oct 2014 08:39 AM PDT

Presented during the Maison & Objet Paris 2014, Pandora sideboard designed by WEWOOD – Portuguese Joinery assumes itself as functional piece for storage. The unconventional cabinet features several compartments of different sizes and formats that adapt to the daily needs of the user. Envisioned and developed in 100% solid oak, this sideboard has four drawers, two doors and one box. This last unit is the most versatile element of the entire design, offering the possibility of changing its position and adapting its function from storage to elegant display.The exterior of this exclusive piece is presented in natural solid oak with touches of vibrant color in matt lacquered MDF that can be customized according to the taste of the client. The straight lines combined with the traditional joinery techniques mark this sideboard, a piece that stands out for its dynamic details. Its overall appearance make it suitable for any residential or commercial environment, adding that much needed originality factor. [Photos and information provided via e-mail by WEWOOD – Portuguese Joinery]

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