Serene City: A Redone LA Loft With a Minimalist Sensibility

Photography by Justin Chung, courtesy of OWIU

There’s nothing hard-edged or cold about this LA loft, housed in what was once the West Coast bakery of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). The space was redone by OWIU Studio and belongs to one of the founding principals, Amanda Gunawan. Take a look:

The Nabisco factory was built in 1925 and later converted to apartments, including this one, which measures 1,620 square feet.

Noguchi Akari lights and a strict palette of white and pale wood add a sense of airiness.

The team’s approach included creating smaller, “compartmentalized” zones with distinct purposes.

The bright living area is situated in the double-height section of the loft for maximum sunlight.

For access to the mezzanine, the architects designed a geometric wood stair rail that continues into a guardrail above.

The angular guardrail is made from 10 custom fabricated panels fitted together (plus a built-in bookshelf on the other side).

Just behind the guardrail is a compact study.

In the guest bedroom, a built-in platform can be topped with a futon for overnight stays or serve as added storage and a place to read.

A deconstructed bath features a concrete sink and textural walls.