Photographer's Loft: A Live-Work Loft with Spatial Flexibility and Maximized Open Space

Located in a former manufacturing building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, this live-work loft is designed by Michael K Chen Architecture for a professional photographer. Photographer’s Loft is used for the photographer’s working activities, including photoshoots and editing, presentations, and events regularly besides as the owner’s primary residence. It has spatial flexibility and maximized open space to meet the owner’s needs.

Spaces

Thickened storage zones and storage components within the loft walls are used to delineate spaces and maximize open space. The rough plaster walls and existing nineteenth-century shell of tin ceilings are retained while the spatial zones are defined by a series of back and gloss white inserts. These series also serve as display units, media storage, work, and clothing.

Furniture

A series of pull-out closet units a library is the largest of the display units that can be found in the bedroom, while the display shelving and projection surface are located in the living area including two large custom sliding doors. The second consists of equipment zone and office storage in a study and there is also a headboard in the bedroom.

Materials

A gallery lighting is added along the long walls of the loft for rotating displays while the ambient lighting is contained with some cabinetry pieces. The architect uses FSC certified woods from local sources, including the reclaimed timber from St Lawrence Bay. The waxed finishes for this loft project are all sustainable awesomely.