The Z-Loft continues investigations into interior domestic living begun by the Z-Box in 2004. Here the sleeping space is raised, lifted up into the vaulted space of a church-turned-condo unit.
The raising of the bed enables a new experience: sleeping up amongst the gothic arches.
This lifting also capitalizes on the tall ceilings in order to create more space below the mezzanine for a long custom desk and chest-of-drawers.
The minimalist design of the Z-Loft strives to exist in quiet contrast with the details and space of the old church. Rich materials such as 1/2” thick acrylic panels and sapele plywood are built around a frame of raw steel. The slightly pebbled surface of the acrylic provides a touch of visual privacy, while allowing the colors and forms of the space beyond to blend with, and become a part of the new structure. These camouflage tactics work to integrate new architecture into old, creating subtle juxtapositions with the gothic arches, plaster mouldings, and painted ceilings of the existing apartment.