New York loft renovation by Studio Vural comprises "pods in a box"

Brooklyn-based Studio Vural has renovated a loft apartment inside a former herring canning factory in New York's West Village, adding tonal green accents throughout.

Studio Vural overhauled the loft within a 1920s building on Barrow Street, which dates back to the era when the West Village was an industrial port.

Loft renovation with — The loft renovation involved the introduction of "pods" that create extra flexible bedroom space

"Starting with the Vita Herring Factory, our design unveils layers of architectural history and creates a new chapter by contemporising historic elements," studio founder Selim Vural told Dezeen.

"On the exact same concrete slab of an iconic building, a new family, a new life, a new architecture come into being."

A mezzanine reading nook accessed via flight of felt-covered stairs — One of the pods includes a mezzanine reading nook accessed via flight of felt-covered stairs

The building was converted into co-op residences in the late 1980s by architect Cy Winthrop, who resided in this apartment.

"[Winthrop's] labour of love completely obscured the original structure with smoky mirrored walls, laminate everything and a small koi pond in a corner of the living room," said studio founder Selim Vural.

Staircase with oak millwork storage underneath — Oak millwork is used to create storage throughout the apartment

Stripping all of these elements back, apart from a few unique details, the team was able to unveil a layered history of the building while incorporating new additions.

"We exposed the original concrete columns and beams and managed to save the 80s parquet floors and (some) cabinetry," said Vural. "We added contemporary elements such as earthy cement tiles, acoustic felt panels and glass blocks in warm wood."

Tonal green accents incorporated in a kitchen to contrast oak cabinetry — Tonal green accents are incorporated in the kitchen to contrast the oak cabinetry

The brief was to create an open space for hosting parties, with three flexible bedrooms and a private primary suite.

Squeezing all of these elements into the 1,500-square-foot (139-square-metre) space proved challenging, so the team had to play with their proportions, scale and positions in order to fit.

Custom built-in furniture in a living area that's designed for hosting parties — Custom built-in furniture in the living area is designed for hosting parties

"We think of the layout as 'pods in a box' with a home office/flex bedroom, a loft reading area and a sleeping nook nestled in a large shell," said Studio Vural.

These pods are wrapped in oak and lit via spandrel windows and large glass blocks.

A large green-painted wall divides a living area from a primary suite — A large green-painted wall divides the living area from the primary suite

Green felt was used to cover concrete ceiling beams above the lofted area, as well as the treads and risers of the stairs used to reach it.

Opposite, the kitchen also features oak millwork, while a dining table nestled against a custom built-in seat can accommodate eight.

The living area beyond features more bespoke furniture that faces a green-painted wall and tiled fireplace.

Behind this wall is the primary bedroom, which is neutrally decorated and includes plenty of built-in storage.

A factory building's original columns are incorporated into an apartment interior — The factory building's original columns are incorporated into the interiors

The green and oak colour combination reappears in the bathrooms, where tiles in various verdant tones clad the walls inside the shower and around the vanities.

All of these elements interplay with the original concrete and metal columns, some of which are tucked away while others are more visible.

Green tiles, oak millwork and brass fixtures in a bathroom — Green tiles, oak millwork and brass fixtures continue in the bathroom

Studio Vural has previously renovated a townhouse in Brooklyn using Kyoto merchant houses as a reference point, and also imagined a Manhattan tower draped in colourful flowers and an off-the-grid Dune House for Cape Cod.

Other West Village residences that have received an upgrade include a duplex apartment in which a "garden folly" was inserted and a home that was transformed into a show space for contemporary art and design.

The photography is by Kate Glicksberg.

Project credits:

Creative director: Kerry Robertson
Architectural design: Selim Vural, principal architect; Efecan Zeybek, design architect; Ceren Kalayci, design architect
Construction: Don Kwok

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