Miller Loft

In collaboration with Adam Miller, NOSANCHUK designed a loft in Gramercy Park. Prior to this commission, we completed a richly appointed art-deco style boutique, so we wanted to create a more contemporary space that was warm, dynamic, and composed of a range of materials. The existing apartment was divided into three rooms with no connection between them; a very compressed volume. Our client wanted to live in a continuous and open space with room for his eleven hundred lineal inches of books and growing interest in young painters and artists. We came to the conclusion that everything should be gutted and we should start from scratch.

We rethought the initial plan to expose the perimeter brick walls and developed a stepped and floating plaster wall design that ran continuously throughout the apartment. This created a sense of movement and linear perspective, while visually tying the loft together. This sense of unity was strengthened by the Roman pattern of 16” x 16” Durango blue limestone flooring and recessed kick base that exist throughout. The organization of books also became a design opportunity. We decided to use an aluminum, cantilevered shelf system with insert glass. All storage units are built in; and, because they are made of a laminate that matches the finish of the walls, they blend-in to the architecture. We also used custom designed solid mahogany doors and brushed aluminum lighting fixtures. The major element of the project is the freestanding aluminum partition. We chose this partition in response to the client’s wish to keep the space open and to provide natural light to the bedroom side. A double-sided upholstered mohair panel serves as a dining room bench, backrest, nightstands, and the headboard.

The end result is a loft that is linear and defined, while being open, warm, and illuminated; an architectural expression of the client’s lifestyle.