© Yerce Art Photography / Emin Emrah Yerce
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Located in a densely populated neighbourhood of Izmir, Studio Loft is an example of conversion of a double flat in an existing five-story building into a multifunctional duplex space. Simultaneously functioning as a workplace - a photographic studio and a residential space- a loft to live in. The architects Yerse architecture & ZAAS worked along with the client, a famous photographer and an artist in Izmir to create a new home for him which he preferred to be something more than just a living and working place.
Incorporating exhibition area into the studio enabled the owner and the local talent to display their photographic work, which would work as an alternative art exhibition spot in the center of the city where art galleries are relatively scarce.
Originally two different flats, transformed into a duplex unit giving the entrance of the studio loft, an open spacious area with a double height ceiling. One step inside and you enter the photographic studio and exhibition area. Solving the height restriction problem with a vaulted ceiling is a guest bathroom, at the back on the same floor. Providing a sense of being inside a futuristic space by the material choices of the bathroom with their reflective surfaces. Which also serves as an extraordinary photography setting. Connecting the ground floor to the upper floor and highlighting the dynamism and rhythm of the circulation inside the space is a sculptural staircase designed with no side railings on either side. With the photographic studio and an exhibition space on the ground floor, other functions are planned on the upper floor which mainly consists of office space, kitchen area, sleeping and private resting zone at the far end of the open plan living space. The kitchen is planned as a social space for cooking, eating and relaxing, which reflects the owners lifestyle, who loves to cook for his guests.
Another spot comprising a cozy fireplace for gathering with friends and relaxing is organised next to the kitchen. The bright panoramic views of the outdoor greenery is provided by the floor to ceiling window. The upper floor is planned such that it serves as an added space for photo shootings if required, as maximising space for photographic work was one of the targets of the project. The result has been the creation of a ‘loft’ space that serves various functions, entwined with each other, under the roof of a photographic studio.
Maintaining the continuity between the inner space and the outside world, the architects converted the open space in front of the apartment, earlier used as a car park into a patio. The integration of the whole space was achieved by extending the paving material of the ground floor to cover the patio and sidewalks. Furthermore, contributing to the fusion of the inner space with the urban space in an exhibition event are the sliding glass doors of the facade which could also be completely folded up at the sides.
Despite the hardships experienced in the construction process, most particularly in time and budget, Studio Loft materialized as a new urban habitat and working space typology with the added function of being an exhibition place. Meeting the challenge of providing a triple function in the same space and time, this exclusive remodeling project stands out as an example of architectural wizardry.
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