A storefront from the early 1900’s was transformed into a live / work space for a couple with an extensive art collection.

Creating the modern equivalent of a traditional courtyard house, the new design centers around a large skylight over the living and dining areas. A wood-clad service core, containing the kitchen and powder room, separates the courtyard from the entry. Opposite of the service core, the master suite clerestory of unobstructed glass brings daylight into the rooms from the central sky lit courtyard.

A flexible and multi-functional space was created within this compact 1600 square feet using pivot and pocket doors, steel plate “blinders” that hide the kitchen function, and concealed media equipment that pivots out for use. Closet walls behind compositions of paneled wood, benches with flip-up tops, and linear wall-to-wall cabinets provide convenient storage.

In a world where we are trying to reduce and reuse, this new interior provides comfortable rooms that easily expand or contract for the owner’s needs while providing them with a short commute.