The joy of loft living is open and unobstructed space. But what happens when requirements like bedrooms and bathrooms encroach? In this 1,200 square-foot loft in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood, Line Office Architecture masterfully met their client’s needs without carving up the space. Their design celebrates open space while also respecting the pragmatic needs of day-to-day living.
Photography by Joe Fletcher via ArchDaily.
Above: In a corner of the loft, the architects inserted a sculptural, multi-faceted box that serves as a wall of the kitchen on one side while enclosing a bedroom on the other. The new additions work harmoniously with the existing Douglas fir columns, beams, and ceiling.
Above: The kitchen and dining areas flow seamlessly into each other.
Above: In the kitchen area, a horizontal band of wood-faced cabinets sits above a glass backsplash that is lit from behind.
Above: The glowing glass backsplash turns the corner into what becomes the entry area and presents as a light box.
Above: Steps lead up to the bedroom, which is set on a platform inside the sculptural box. As the kitchen cabinets extend into the entry area, they shrink in depth and bcecome a narrow display cabinet.
Above: The raised platform keeps the proportions of the room at a comfortable scale, avoiding a small dark bedroom with ceilings that are too high. Private but not fully enclosed, the sleeping area makes the most of the loft’s natural daylight. The architects also incorporated built-in storage into the bedroom area.
Above: Across the entry hall, the door at the bottom of the stairs leads to the bathroom.
Above: A view of the living area’s window wall from the sleeping platform.
Above: Minimal furnishings help retain the open feeling of the loft.
Above: in the entrance hall, the bathroom and laundry rooms are situated on the right, and the platform bedroom is on the left.
Above: The stone floor tiles from the entry continue into the bathroom.
Above: The plan of the the 1,200 square-foot loft space by Line Office Architecture in SOMA, San Francisco.
See more loft living in The Plywood Makeover: Artful Living in Melbourne and The Unplanned Designers’ Loft in Brooklyn. Over on Gardenista, Outbuilding of the Week: Retro ’60s Camper explores the opposite of loft living.
Frequently asked questions
What is the architecture of the San Francisco Loft Line Office?
The San Francisco Loft Line Office features a contemporary design that blends high-tech and industrial elements. It was built by Line Office Architecture, a firm known for its innovative and sustainable designs.
What are some unique features of the San Francisco Loft Line Office?
The office features an open plan layout with plenty of natural light, exposed brick walls, and high ceilings. There are also custom-built plywood storage units and a mezzanine level for additional workspace.
Who designed the San Francisco Loft Line Office?
The San Francisco Loft Line Office was designed by Line Office Architecture, a San Francisco-based firm known for its innovative and sustainable designs.
What was the inspiration behind the design of the San Francisco Loft Line Office?
The design of the San Francisco Loft Line Office was inspired by the high-tech and industrial character of the city's South of Market neighborhood. The architects aimed to create a space that was functional, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing.
How does the San Francisco Loft Line Office promote sustainability?
The office features sustainable elements such as custom-built plywood storage units made from responsibly-sourced wood, low-VOC paints and finishes, and LED light fixtures. The architects also incorporated energy-efficient systems and appliances throughout the space.
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