In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of industrial buildings in the New York were converted into apartments (termed the loft apartments) because of industries moving out of the urban cities into the suburbs.
As a result, large and spacious industrial buildings were left vacant. People from the art and music fraternity got attracted to such spacious interior and began to occupy them. Gradually, these got converted into residential apartments.
Today, these can be located in various states of the US where previously industrial buildings dwelled.
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What is meant by the term loft?
The term loft refers to the upper part of a floor or attic.
A loft apartment is a large, open dwelling with very few or no walls. Lofts usually have high ceilings, large windows and an augmented sense of spaciousness.
It has an open-concept living area with no interior walls, covering an area of more than 1000 square feet. The large floor plan area of a loft apartment is opposed to that of a large studio, covering about 600 square feet area.
Most loft apartments are usually converted from old factories and industrial buildings which adds character.
They have exposed pipes, beams, wiring, lighting and brickwork that goes well with many decorative styles.
You will also have a lot bigger rooms than a traditional apartment, increasing customization and productivity.
The construction of loft apartments from old and forlorn structures is a gentrification process.
Striking Features of a Loft Apartment
- Loft apartments are a lot airier than conventional apartments. This is because they are remodeled and previously were some commercial or industrial building.
- The elevated ceilings make it hard to cool the apartment or warm it in summers and winters respectively.
- Since the old commercial and residential buildings were located close to a city’s transit network, loft apartments are likely to be located in urban areas.
- Loft apartments have high ceilings and an open floor plan.
- They have exposed ductwork, pipes or brick walls.
- They offer an aesthetic look that resembles the interior of an industrial building.
- They have minimum number of interior walls.
- These houses are adaptable and the spacious interior can serve multiple functions.
Types of Loft Apartments
It seems like the world of loft apartments, too, contains nuances that pertain to not just the house aesthetics but also its overall structure. Let us discuss the few types we have in the category of loft apartments.
Hard Lofts
A hard loft (also touted as a ‘true loft’) is a residential unit converted from a warehouse into an apartment. This transition leaves the house historically connected with the old structure. Therefore, it possesses features that resemble the old construction.
These lofts originated when artists began using the stranded warehouses as studios for their craft. Therefore, these apartments create a nexus being a living unit of residence and an artist’s workspace.
It comprises exposed beams, support beams, ductwork, bricks and cement or hardwood floors. The tall windows are often metal-encased picturing their past in a warehouse. The hard lofts are a good utilization of a stranded place, that may otherwise give a dispirited look.
Soft Lofts
Soft lofts also resemble the traditional loft apartments but have a more finished look with some added soundproofing features. These are usually built in new residential buildings and feature high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans with more number of interior walls and a more refined and finished look.
Soft lofts are preferred if you want to have a more polished look of your apartment.
Where Can You Find a Loft Apartment in the US?
Loft apartments can be found in many areas across the US. A few states where you find loft apartments are as follows;
- New York
- San Francisco
- Austin
- Portland
- Chicago
Pros of a Loft Apartment
- Loft apartments have a trendy style that gives off an urban vibe. This is owing to the building’s history and the exposed interior.
- Loft apartments offer design flexibility due to open floor plans.\
- A lot of indoor space is available that can effectively be utilized for indoor activities.
Cons of a Loft Apartment
- There is a lack of built-in storage due to a shortage of closets.
- With high ceilings and tall windows come costly utilities.
- You will need to get creative with how to divide things up if you plan to share the space with a roommate.
- Loft apartments are not the best choice when it comes to privacy. Since there is no separate wall or rooms, the residents are likely to face intrusion in their personal lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What factors to consider while investing in a loft apartment?
The choice of investing in a loft apartment depends on a number of factors. However, in general, you must weigh the pros and cons before coming to a conclusion. These factors include,
- The location of loft apartment is the primary factor that governs it being on high demand or not. Lofts in prime locations may offer higher prices than the others and can be a good investment niche.
- The real estate market conditions also fluctuate with time and before you make such an investment. Therefore, timing can affect the investment value a great deal.
- The maintenance cost of any loft you intend to invest in should be estimated beforehand.
- The potential rental income should also be considered before you buy a loft apartment.
- The design preferences and lifestyle choices may also impact your decision of investing in a loft.
