Loft FOR by adn Architectures // Brussels, Belgium. (Yellowtrace)

Ahhh goodness. Are these images real or is this some artist’s impression of a place where gravity doesn’t exist? The slickness of the folded steel stair is verging on implausible. That thin and that crisp? Really? Alas, you’ll be pleased to know that this loft is real, it’s just been subject to the wizardry of adn Architectures in Brussels. (I know, I know. I thought it was in Japan too.)

Dig a little deeper and you realise that the intelligence behind this loft conversion extends beyond an uber-impressive staircase. The architects wanted to preserve the existing terracotta walls and concrete ceiling structure, both of which bring a strong sense of character to the space. So in order to divide the interior, they designed two double-storey structures which occupy the loft as independent forms, like two pieces of free standing furniture. The structures house the bathroom and the laundry on the ground, with the bedroom and study sitting above, open to the ceiling. These two islands of “furniture” separate the living, dining and kitchen. Privacy is controlled with perforated metal mesh.

Given the natural lighting conditions, light passes into the space but the screens simultaneously provide privacy from the more communal living spaces. The change in levels also ensures the bedroom and study are obscured from view. This is the kind of house I’d be excited to come back to every day. Clever, unique and an exciting space to be in.

Text by Ella Leoncio for Yellowtrace.