A business loft in Dordrecht
Project: Single Business Point Loft
Location: Dordrecht, The Netherlands
Interior Designer: Esther Canisius
Date: 2013
Photography: Michel de Groot
The loft of the historic building in Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is a meeting place for the various companies that are located in the building. What immediately strikes you when entering the loft, are the wooden rafters and the beautiful light. The loft has windows on all four sides allowing light to come in and reflect on the white linoleum floor.
The beautiful light and the rafters were the starting point for interior designer Esther Canisius (www.esthercanisius.nl). There was no well-defined assignment given by the client. The only criterion was: “it must be a very special space. A space that challenges to work, to inspire, to meet and to create!” Specifically, one must be able to work, lunch and meet with at least ten people. In addition, the space should be suitable to give presentations and facilitate the Friday afternoon drinks and other informal meetings.
Esther Canisius roughly divided the loft into three parts, each with its own function. Thus in one part, one can actively work or meet. In the other part one can relax and lounge. The third part provides space for a large presentation screen.
On one side of the loft a large table is situated, which was also designed by Esther Canisius. The table top is made up of wooden beams and supported by a metal frame to give it solidity. The table top has build in electricity and internet facilities. For a thin look, the bottom side of the table top is bevelled. In addition, the metal frame is non-visible.
The lamp hanging above the table is the ‘Citadel Composition’ by Quasar. Little bicycle LED lights are mounted on three bicycle wheel types. The three circles are attached to each other and to the ceiling joists with steel wire.
In order to maintain the symmetry two small kitchen units are placed on both sides of the windows. Both exactly the same size and accommodate a fridge, a cupboard and a dishwasher. The sides and tops of the kitchen units are made from the same type of wood as used for the table top. All finished with a clear, waterproof matte varnish so the natural appearance of the wood is preserved.
On the other side of the loft home interior design, the lounge area is situated decorated with stone cushions by LivingStones, Hay chairs, tree stumps and a wall picture.
Along the rafters dimmable LED lights are placed in different segments so the light can be adjusted. The LED light can be controlled through a smartphone app by every employee that works in the building. Both brightness and color can be controlled by this smartphone app.
An artificial olive tree in a planter of scrap wood decorates the centre of the loft. This olive tree is made from an original trunk assembled with imitation twigs and leaves. For presentations a mobile screen can be set up in this area of the loft. Except for the large table, all furniture is lightweight and easily movable across the space inviting users to create their own preferred spot to work, meet, relax or lounge.
