22ND STREET LOFT

Location: New York, New York
Architect & Designer: George Ranalli
Project team: Nick Dermand

In the New York Loft the programmatic re-distribution of space required the elimination of the existing bedroom. Moving the bedroom along an existing wall allows the space at the front to be used for living and dining. The entire end wall of the space is fenestrated with a strong existing galvanized steel industrial window. Light enters the space dramatically from the north. Dining and living occurs bathed in natural light, continuous and present for the entire day.

Relocating the bedroom to the interior allows for the emergence of a form which defines the edge of the living space opposite the glazed wall, while also enclosing the bedroom. The form is elongated back into the space where it makes a small study, secluded by the stairs to the bedroom, and bounded by the dressing rooms and balcony. With this single gesture three distinct spaces are formed. On the other side, at the kitchen, a small block encloses the space. Perforations in the surface allow light to enter.

In the bedroom, natural light that enters is blue and cool in color. To help the quality of light a set of forms span over the bed. A golden canopy constructed of sheets of brass creates the yellow light absent without sun. The two planes are slightly inclined so that the space is not too tightly enclosed, and any direct reflection is distorted. The brass is dull matte finish high in zinc content to reduce the undesirable reflective quality. The structure is delicately balanced along a center steel spine supported at the wall by vertical posts and in the front by two steel cables. The light from custom designed lamps creates a golden glow in the bedroom. The assembly of the canopy plates to the frame is accomplished through a pattern of small screws which create rhythmic spots of light which reflect their source.

As a completion to the design, all the furniture, shelves, and lights are designed as a continuation of the work produced in the larger forms. They function to change the scale of the space and introduce another level of materiality to the project. Raw steel plate is bent, flame cut, shear cut, and welded. Leather, marble, and brass are placed adjacent to it to heighten the juxtaposition of surface treatment. Furniture is developed as autonomous form but always in close association to the architecture.