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South Norwalk,
Connecticut
Occupying a prominent corner in historic South Norwalk, SoNo Lofts is a four-story, 45,000 square foot mixed-use residential and retail urban infill project. The building echoes the scale, materials, and architectural rhythms of its 19th century brick mill building neighbors, reinterpreting historical details to reflect the more urbane redevelopment that has been breathing life into this reinvigorated community.
The client-developer demanded an edgy yet appealing project that would add highly needed housing units to an up-and-coming neighborhood while on an extremely tight budget.
The architect responded with a design that was marketable, cost-effective and also served to mend a fragmented streetscape, fitting in comfortably, while effectively bridging the gap between the 19th and 21st centuries. Thirty-four condominium units were constructed along with a 42-space parking garage and 2,623 square feet of commercial space on the street level.
The building was constructed of steel with composite decking. The exterior is brick and stone veneer along with several kinds of metal sheathing including corrugated aluminum, galvanized aluminum and zinc panels. Oversized industrial-sash aluminum windows create dramatic interiors while brick striping, cast-iron building stars and a dramatic metal cornice add a level of edgy playfulness to the façade. Individual HVAC units were vented to the roof to eliminate unsightly venting on the façade of the building.
Industrial materials are used throughout the public space. White glass fiber-reinforced panels with exposed fasteners line the lobby walls while airport runway lights are some of the industrial-style light fixtures used. The stairwells feature laser-cut steel plate side enclosures and diamond plate steel treads. A fitness room is enclosed by a curved translucent polycarbonate wall while the bicycle storage room is lined with OSB.
The residential loft interiors are light-filled, crisp and modern, also using simple materials in unexpected ways. Polished concrete floors, track and jelly-jar lighting, pre-finished plywood sheathing, stainless steel kitchens and white-tiled bathrooms all maintain a minimalist yet luxurious tone.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
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