The architects removed decorative wood beams and wood paneling, and raised the ceiling to reveal a bright, open space. The existing fireplace mantle was swapped out for Bolection molding, a minimal-yet-traditional profile that allows more space for wall art. Hendricks installed the sconces and Noguchi lantern above the clients' wood table and chairs.
The living area is dressed in a calming neutral palette, allowing the black fireplace to pop in contrast. The ornate ceiling medallion is another original treasure to the home.
Original details are displayed immediately upon entry, including the moldings wrapping around the main dining area, as well as the wide-plank floors and decorative mantle.
Since micro-cement is waterproof, Curtis also used it to cover the shower walls, dispensing with the need for tile and the busyness of grout lines. A full-height linen shower curtain adds more texture and movement, and the plumbing is handmade of brass.
The floors are a handmade ceramic tile and the vanity is covered in micro-cement, with a stone vessel basin.
Curtis designed the Ash built-in bench and table, to be narrow enough so as not to encroach the living room, yet still fit the whole family. The “elevated but casual” stools, another Urbanology design, are covered in a textural wool, and designed to tuck completely under the table or move around as needed.
A built-in bench was added to one side.
Many of the paintings are by the designer’s grandfather.
Cement tiles in shades of blue were added to help bring a more "domestic feel
The main living spaces flow one into the next, following the shape of the rock slope, resulting in tiers.
A single linear element of joinery was installed across the entirety of the south facing wall of the flat, which houses various functions including a kitchen larder cupboard, display cabinet for pottery, plenty of drawers for camera equipment, and at the far end, book storage and a living room media cabinet
"Jack and Alice had really clear ideas about the main feature lights,
The oversize sofa is from Piet Boon.
“The rest of our plants come from Patch Plants in London,
"By exposing the rawness of the existing brickwork and imperfect concrete, we were able to contrast this with the new softer tones and textures,
The open stair, tall ceilings to the living space and openable windows all contribute to passive stack ventilation which assist in keeping the space cool.
The light timber of the interventions have a delicacy that emphasize the grandness of the original structure and mesh with the homeowners’ environmental philosophy. “We fell in love with the raw nature of the original structure, its heaviness and many imperfections,” says David McGahon of Studio McW, “all of which tell the story of its industrial history. We all agreed that a light touch approach should be taken.”
These textiles are designed by Chuch cofounder Natalia Ramirez, based in Oaxaca.
“We love color and embracing Mexican design,” says Chuch Estudio Co-Founder Aranza García.
Brooke and Tobi found the dining table on Craigslist, from a Eugene carpenter who specializes in refinishing vintage furniture. The chairs and light are vintage, and the white oak banquette is designed by Boyer, with Brooke’s love of the Audo hotel for inspiration. “They have a dining area that has an insert in the back of the dining bench to lean photos and pictures,” says Brooke.
The bed platform can host guests or tea ceremonies.
The open shelving displays ceramics and artwork by Fong Min Liao.
"Most of the carpentry built-ins were done out of plywood with birch veneer, chosen for its very raw finish and inexpensiveness," says Amanda. "For more structural items like the adaptable bed platform, we used Baltic birch instead for its superior structure and planarity."
The spaces are harmoniously linked by color and material palette. In the dining area, the round travertine table mirrors the paper lanterns by Isamu Noguchi suspended above, and vintage cane Cesca Chairs by Marcel Breuer completes the warm tableau.
An abstract painting by Fong Min Liao lends a graphic focus on the white walls next to a shelf displaying Amanda’s ceramic collection.
Amanda got rid of the mirrored wall and installed FLOS AIM Pendant Lights in the living room.
Architect Amanda Gunawan’s 1,620-square-foot Biscuit Loft in Downtown L.A. is awash in gentle light. Designed by French-born, Missouri-based architect E.J. Eckel in 1925, the building had been converted by Aleks Istanbullu Architect in 2006 into a live/work complex. Amanda introduced Japanese-inspired touches to soften the industrial language. The harmonious living room features a CB2 sofa, white Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Knoll Wassily Chair, and a rug and timber bench from Zara Home.
The guest bedroom is framed by a new arched window, which provides ample natural light and anchors the room with vintage character.
The master bedroom is bright and airy, with easy access to the yard and gardens.
“We chose aluminum wood-clad windows because the material is high quality and energy-efficient,” says Wijaya. “They offer more design options and match well with the style of this house. We particularly wanted to add arches, windows, and doors to enhance the Spanish Revival character.”
The kitchen's monochromatic Italian farmhouse aesthetic was achieved by inspired design choices, such as a high back farmhouse sink, zellige tile backsplash, La Cornue range, built-in range hood, limewash paint, and imported limestone flooring.
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