How does one transform a dated New York home into a trendy Soho loft?

Boutique architecture firm Kimberly Peck Architect was tasked with coming up with the new design, and the team made several changes that instantly opened up the space, added contrasting elements, and improved the flow of the home.

One of the key changes was exposing and removing the paint off of the central timber beam and cast-iron columns, which highlighted the original materiality of the space.

The rough-hewn timber beam informed the trim throughout the rest of the apartment. Reclaimed wood in a similar colour was used as baseboards, casings, and window sills throughout the space, creating an overall cohesive look. The ductwork for the air conditioning was exposed and painted black, creating an industrial accent traversing the space. The kitchen was opened to the rest of the space and the footprint enlarged.

The sleek recessed black cabinetry against the white kitchen island adds contrast against the walnut kitchen, storage niche and integrated appliances. The concrete countertops bring in an industrial touch and are juxtaposed by a richly veined marble backsplash. Other unique details in the kitchen include the modern black faucet and the stovetop situated on the kitchen island instead of on the counter area, which provides more room for meal prep next to the sink.

The walnut millwork in the kitchen wraps the corner into the living room, creating a media center and housing a concealed entry to the guest bedroom. The continuation of the walnut millwork from the kitchen to the living area creates continuity to connect the two areas of the home.

The main bedroom is separated from the living room by a set of bespoke blackened steel sliding pocket doors. The vintage-style wired glass panels in the doors allow light to pass while maintaining privacy. The walnut and black millwork continue in the bedroom with a new wall-to-wall builtin behind the bed. Serving as a headboard the display at the sides of the builtin is backless to allow glimpses of the exposed brick wall to show through.

A freestanding white tub is the focal point at the rear of the main bath. It shares the space on top of a large platform, necessary to conceal the plumbing, with a glass-enclosed shower creating an elevated wet room. The materiality of the rest of the apartment continues in this bath with a long custom concrete sink over a floating walnut vanity. The guest bath was fitted with industrial black fixtures and white marble tile. Blackened steel lighting was used throughout to complement the new steel doors and reference the exposed cast-iron columns.

The revamped interior design addresses practicality and livability with its design elements, such as maximizing living space and privacy with the hidden guest bedroom and improving the flow of natural light by opening the kitchen and using wired glass panels for the main bedroom. Exposing the overhead timber beam and ductwork to use them as anchoring elements served double duty to add more room above to create an airy living space.

Greene Loft’s material contrast, original industrial elements paired with complementary modern touches make it the quintessential Soho home we aspire to.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project size: 1800 ft2

Completion date: 2021

Building levels: 1

Architect: Kimberly Peck Architect

Contractor: HIS NY2, inc

Photographer: ddreps.com