Casa Midori
Park Slope Brooklyn 2001

Conversion of a 2-bedroom tenement co-op into an open loft.

A creative young woman, who is apt to entertain media moguls as well as mountain bikers, desired a unique open emporium for her diverse gatherings and collected treasures. A primary requirement was the ability to reconfigure the space, for a range of activities and functions - from intimate dinners to standing-room only fiestas, to partitioned houseguest privacy; another was to take advantage of the south-facing, top floor orientation and allow the abundant natural light to filter throughout the space.

The solution for both problems was the insertion of two arrays of retractable steel-framed mica panels, which can be arranged in a number of configurations to modulate the degree of transparency, privacy, and natural light. The custom-built, floor-to-ceiling panels emphasize the generous ceiling height, and lend an oversized scale and bohemian grandeur; and infuse the loft in warmly translucent amber tones. A large hand-made steel skylight, installed above the central dining area, opens the heart of the loft to daylight, while the original deep wood rafters below were left intact to provide a degree of mid-day shade.

When the existing vanilla materials were gutted, a careful process of re-inhabiting the shell with organic colors and textures ensued. Plaster was removed from most of the walls, and the old brick arch window openings were custom-fit with industrial steel casement windows and honed limestone sills. The ceiling was opened up to reveal the aged wood roof framing. Custom stains were meticulously tested to provide just the right degrees of warmth and darkness in the oak floors; while the imprints left from the demolished partitions were filled with natural riverstones set in cement. The sleeping area was set on a platform of honed limestone open to the dining area, but privacy can be provided when needed by a five foot wide sliding mahogany barn door.
AutoViewer requires JavaScript and the Player. Get Flash here.