This 3000 square foot space is the third floor of a former knitting mill, which had fallen into neglect. After purchasing the building, I utilized the first two floors for an architectural salvage business called ReStore of Philadelphia, Inc. Taking the 3rd floor back from the pigeons, bare brick and ply floor, I had radiant heat installed on the floor, set in 1 1/2" of gypcrete, and I covered that in bamboo and slate.

All the walls were framed to wire and plumb and then I had spray foam insulation applied to both walls and ceiling and rigid foam installed below the floor for an energy efficient envelop. Low energy, high voltage lighting was purchased and installed from ylighting, and all of the appliances are energy efficient.

I hired two guys to help me hang the birch ply ceiling and I installed the mahogany ply on the walls. It’s a very low maintenance interior. The weakest link is air conditioning, which is currently unaffordable but I can tolerate the heat. A combination of cross ventilation, solar blinds and shutters made from leftover construction material keep the heat out during the day.

I love my space and am grateful every day for the chance I had to develop this old worn out building into a multi-use space. The curved walls and counter stop everyone in their tracks and I enjoy the flow. I hope to have solar panels to bring this 1800's building into the 21st century.