Loft M / Graux & Baeyens Architects

Curated by ArchDaily

Architects: Graux & Baeyens Architects
Area: 242 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs:Luc Roymans Photography

Loft M / Graux & Baeyens Architects - Table, Beam — © Luc Roymans Photography

Text description provided by the architects. Loft M: exercise in draping light

A former factory on the outskirts of Kortrijk is the setting for this brief. Today it consists of a stack of two stories high empty rooms (lofts), characterized by steel columns and ceilings in brick arches. Daylight enters via four vertical windows in the corner of the room.

Loft M / Graux & Baeyens Architects - Image 12 of 14 — Floor Plan

The design of this loft is an exercise in filtering light. The undulating surfaces capture the light and let it gradually shift into shadow. Shadow is light.

The design consists of two levels, they individually drape around the existing columns and unfold themselves towards the windows. This curtain gradually absorbs light and separates the individual rooms of the living spaces. The uniqueness of place is created by variations of concave and convex lines, cantilevers and double-height ceilings.

Materials and textures:

Colom’s, window frames and ceiling are original. The curved walls are finished in a custom made lime technic that is treated with several pigments. The white polyurethane floors reflext the light and are made by Liquidfloors.