Industrial Loft Progress

Library Interrupted

It seems that no matter how much thought and effort you put into a project, revisions are still inevitable. The Loft Project is apparently no exception. A couple of days ago, I posted my progress on the library area of the apartment. I figured I was about 90% complete with this space, and all it needed was some detail. Alas, I was wrong. After thinking about some of the details throughout the day, I came to realize that there were some better solutions to what I had already come up with, some design elements that were going to interfere with functionality, and finally, there was just some stuff I didn’t like.
The Catwalk
The Problem
The second floor catwalk is an integral part of the look, feel and function of the space. It is also one of the most troublesome, as it must have the proper support to make it work. Many designs of this type use a solid floor structure, so all of the support members can be hidden under the floor. Even designs that use an open structural system still use a solid deck, so the support beams can be large and utilitarian. This design can still pull off a unique and, if done right, elegant work of art. Other designers would use a column system, regardless of deck design. This is typically the easiest and most tried and tested way to support a second level walkway. The column system can of course be dressed up in a number of ways, but at its core, it is a common way of construction. Well, to hell with that. I wanted to keep the first level relatively open – just a large grand space that will allow a tremendous amount of light through. This is part of the reason for the open tread design on the catwalk, the oversized windows, and massive skylights. Originally, I used a cantilever system that ran under the deck seams and supported not only the walkway, but a globe style light at the end of the cantilever. The cantilever widened out into a semi decorative piece that blended into the bookcases. However, after further inspection, I came to realize that this design was problematic. First, the cantilevers were not heavy duty enough. They would have supported the weight, but over time, the stress and metal fatigue would have led to structural failure. Second, the swopping element in the cantilever would have interfered with the rolling ladders that are necessary to access books on the high shelves. Third, I just did not like their final appearance, they just looked to flimsy.

Original Image - Note The Lamps with Cantilevers to the Left

The Solution
So, what do to? By eliminating the two most common ways of supporting this structure, I had to go to plan C. I decided to hang the entire deck from the ceiling. This is not an unusual solution either, hanging a deck is used somewhat often in design scenarios. However, the most common way of implementing this plan is to use lolli-columns, basically just a thin steel column bolted to the ceiling and deck. However, I again felt that would be too obtrusive, so I decided to use a cable system instead. This will provide a strong yet elegant and open support system, and will speak to the building’s history of being an old factory mill. The cable rigging system maintains an industrial feel and becomes more of an artistic sculptural element as opposed to just a structural member. The cables themselves are welded into place to prohibit unwanted movement. Instead of just bolting the cables to an anchor plate, I created pulley wheels at the top and bottom of the cable. This provides a more interesting connection for the system, and adds to the industrial feel of the space. This cable system also allows for easy installation of the rail system needed for shelf access ladders. The lights hanging under the deck were pushed further out to the perimeter of a deck, and caps off a secondary cantilever system which is smaller and less obtrusive. The two systems together will provide more then adequate support for the walkway.

Cable Pully On Post

View of Cables From Deck to Ceiling

Cable Connection Detail at Railing

Cable Connection Detail at Ceiling

New Lamp Position

Chutes and Ladders
Now that I resolved the support issues by designed the cable rigging system and moving the lighting, I can now move on to one of the more intricate details of the library: the rolling ladders. The ladders themselves are nothing new, but here I wanted to include as much detail as possible to make the system look believable and authentic. I modeled the ladders after real ladders used in grand old libraries, and included a track that would have some beautiful detail to it. For instance, none of the tracks are hidden; everything is exposed out in the open. With that comes all of the connection detail, such as rivets holding the floor tracks in place, stoppers to keep the ladders from rolling off the tracks, and the connection system that anchors the upper tracks to the bookcases. I also need to show a lot of details in the ladders themselves, everything from swiveling ball bearing on the wheels to traction treads on the steps. I also included shelves on the sides of the ladders so one could easily pile books, instead of simply tossing them to the floor. The entire system looks much like the old “Chutes and Ladders” game when it is viewed with the rest of the library removed.

Bottom Rail Detail

Top Rail Detail

All Rails and Ladder - The "Chutes and Ladders" Effect

Ladder with Rail and Shelf Detail

Bottom of Ladder with Wheels, Tracks and Stopper

Detailing
One of the biggest issues I have with people in my field is lack of detail, and, let it said that I am one that has lacked detail in my projects. Designers can create fantastic designs that are beautiful and functional, but when the project is rendered, it just feels like something is missing. Usually, it is the mundane, everyday stuff, like wall outlets, light switches and door hinges. I can’t tell you how many of my projects are missing these basic elements. It is very easy to get so wrapped up in the nuances of one’s design that everyday functional stuff gets left out. Therefore, when I started this project, I wanted to make sure that I included such things. Believe it or not, I actually forgot to put them in. I was about to post this blog when realized that I was missing something, switches and outlets. They are in place now, and I believe that in the end, such little details will help make these computer images all the more realistic.

Push Button Wall Switch and Electrical Outlet Detail

Full Library Composite Looking to Fireplace and Mantle