Meridian Penthouse
In over thirty years of practice, this project was unique and fun in every respect. The existing formerly occupied penthouse space contained typical nine foot high drywall ceilings and typical finishes throughout. The ceilings were removed completely and the structure above exposed and finished, giving spatial hierarchies and architectural interest. Every detail was rethought and designed.
This building was one of the first residential market rate condominium projects in downtown San Diego. The owners already lived in the building in a unit half way down the tower, so there was no urgency to quickly finish this penthouse project; consequentially, they were willing to thoroughly think through and work with the architect to carefully design and detail virtually everything in the space. Opening the ceilings and removing the non-bearing walls allowed the spaces to flow and expand both vertically and horizontally. This attribute was emphasized with the flowing cabinetwork and soffits and walls, arcing from area to area. The window height was fixed of course, so soffits and offsets bridge the new height to the ceilings now as high as fourteen feet. Complexity of form and space was offset by a restrained palette of colors and materials. The intent was to create a sense of architecture and structural forms in a “shell” environment that is usually just “decorated”. The intersecting lines and forms of the beams above subconsciously give a sense of strength and structure usually not apparent in these kinds of spaces. They are finished to match the exterior and express the indoor/outdoor sense of unity of building continuity. Care was taken to look at every need, function and lifestyle desire as an opportunity to approach the problem with fresh eyes. Rolling walls and moveable building components give the spaces the ability to transform and adapt.
The result is a feast of surprises, sometimes bold and sometimes subtle, at every turn as one progresses through the spaces.
One can’t praise the client enough for their courage and faith and sense of adventure as they worked with and encouraged the architects to explore every avenue and opportunity possible to create something so unique.
This building was one of the first residential market rate condominium projects in downtown San Diego. The owners already lived in the building in a unit half way down the tower, so there was no urgency to quickly finish this penthouse project; consequentially, they were willing to thoroughly think through and work with the architect to carefully design and detail virtually everything in the space. Opening the ceilings and removing the non-bearing walls allowed the spaces to flow and expand both vertically and horizontally. This attribute was emphasized with the flowing cabinetwork and soffits and walls, arcing from area to area. The window height was fixed of course, so soffits and offsets bridge the new height to the ceilings now as high as fourteen feet. Complexity of form and space was offset by a restrained palette of colors and materials. The intent was to create a sense of architecture and structural forms in a “shell” environment that is usually just “decorated”. The intersecting lines and forms of the beams above subconsciously give a sense of strength and structure usually not apparent in these kinds of spaces. They are finished to match the exterior and express the indoor/outdoor sense of unity of building continuity. Care was taken to look at every need, function and lifestyle desire as an opportunity to approach the problem with fresh eyes. Rolling walls and moveable building components give the spaces the ability to transform and adapt.
The result is a feast of surprises, sometimes bold and sometimes subtle, at every turn as one progresses through the spaces.
One can’t praise the client enough for their courage and faith and sense of adventure as they worked with and encouraged the architects to explore every avenue and opportunity possible to create something so unique.
