Loft apartments are typically found in old brick factory buildings.
Historic lofts provide owners and renters with some of the most distinctive interior and exterior architectural features on the market. Investors and urban developers alike value historic lofts, and cities use historic loft spaces to revitalize depressed real estate markets. Though the exterior of lofts often include elegant brick entryways and striking bell towers, the interiors of historic lofts feature equally impressive architectural detail. Does this Spark an idea?
History
After the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, cities built sprawling mills and factories to harness new power and production technology. When the job market shifted and production became more streamlined in the early 20th century, most mills and factory buildings were abandoned. In the 1980s, urban developers began reclaiming the old factory and mill buildings, and architects and developers restructured the interior of the buildings to make livable space. Many of the spaces became luxury loft apartments, and some spaces became commercial offices or historical sites like museums. One of the main objectives in reclaiming historic mills, factories and warehouses is restoring and retaining distinctive interior and exterior features while modernizing the space for contemporary families.
Architectural Features
In order to accommodate large factory machinery, mills and factories had ceilings that ranged from 13 to 20 feet high. Historic loft interiors typically feature vaulted or cathedral ceilings, though some upper-level apartments might have sloped ceilings. In the absence of electricity for light and ventilation, mills and factories had floor-to-ceiling windows, and lofts typically feature walls of windows and ample lighting. Interior brick and exposed wooden rafters are also features of historic lofts. Wide-plank wooden floors are also common, though shifting over time forces some developers to replace original planks with new wood or wood laminate.
Size and Layout
The original layout for most historical loft spaces included few, if any, interior walls. The open floor plan allowed developers to break up the space into a variety of apartments, but most developers opted for large luxury apartments ranging from 800 square feet to 2,000 square feet. In some cities, ordinances that require affordable housing encouraged developers to include smaller apartments at more economical prices. Most lofts are single-story and open in design, though some high ceilings allow for two-story lofts apartments. Other loft interiors became studio spaces with a single living space.
Interior Design
Because the architectural details of historic loft interiors tend to be dominating, interior design tends to be simple and contemporary. Developers often opt for contemporary stainless steel appliances and neutral cabinetry in kitchens. Modern bathrooms with brushed stainless hardware and neutral color schemes are also common. The combination of the old and the contemporary is a distinctive feature of most loft interiors.
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