Loft
**1. Types of Lofts:**
– Loft and Attic:
– In the US, a loft is an upper room in a building under the roof, mainly for storage.
– Lofts cover only a few rooms, leaving sides open to the lower floor.
– British lofts are roof spaces accessed via a hatch, while attics are rooms accessed by a staircase.
– Lofts may serve specific purposes like an organ loft or a sleeping loft.
– Attics and lofts can be converted into functional living spaces.
– Loft Apartment:
– Loft apartments are often built from former industrial buildings.
– Warehouse-to-loft conversions are common for turning industrial spaces into apartments.
– Loft apartments are part of urban renewal initiatives, promoting art galleries and studio spaces.
– Initially popular with artists but now sought after by various demographics.
– Real estate developers create ready-made lofts in urban areas undergoing gentrification.
– Industrial/Hard Loft:
– Hard lofts are former industrial buildings converted for residential or live/work use.
– Retain open ceilings with exposed beams, wiring, and HVAC ducts.
– Maintain an industrial aesthetic rather than modern finishes.
– Offer a unique character and history due to their industrial origins.
– Distinct from soft lofts in terms of design and historical context.
– Soft Loft:
– Newly built residential buildings with loft-style features.
– Have high ceilings, large windows, brickwork, and cement ceilings.
– Offer modern finishes and a residential aesthetic.
– Lack the industrial character and history of hard lofts.
– Cater to individuals seeking modern living spaces with loft-like elements.
**2. Other Lofts:**
– Commercial Lofts:
– Upper storey spaces in commercial or industrial buildings.
– May include mezzanine areas for storage or offices.
– Live/Work Lofts:
– Residential units in commercially zoned buildings.
– Loft laws protect artists and entrepreneurs who are remote workers.
– Mould Lofts, Rigging Lofts, and Parachute Lofts:
– Serve specific industrial purposes in shipyards.
**3. Specialized Lofts:**
– Sail Loft:
– Space used by sailmakers.
– Floor must be large for sail layout.
– Canvas marked and cut for sewing.
– Church Architecture:
– Some churches have choir lofts.
– Organ loft in Germany.
– Triforiums with watching-lofts.
– Singers stand or sit during services.
– Organist and musicians in organ loft.
**4. Loft Conversions:**
– Common to convert home into a loft.
– Creates extra room without moving.
– Adds bedroom or study.
– Attic space often unused.
– Converts unused space into floor area.
**5. Pigeon Loft:**
– Housing for domestic pigeons.
– Consists of a cage or aviary.
– Traditional amenity in nobility’s palaces.
– Nest box for pigeons.
– Abandoned in modern times.
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A loft is a building's upper storey or elevated area in a room directly under the roof (American usage), or just an attic: a storage space under the roof usually accessed by a ladder (primarily British usage). A loft apartment refers to large adaptable open space, often converted for residential use (a converted loft) from some other use, often light industrial. Adding to the confusion, some converted lofts themselves include upper open loft areas.
