St. Louis, MO

Adaptive Reuse/CA

2023

Neon Greens

This renovation reimagines a coffee house into a sophisticated modern living space that honors its original past. Our approach balanced contemporary comforts with the charm of the original architecture, preserving key elements like the high ceilings, original floors, and original stairs and railings. These historic features lend warmth and texture, serving as a counterpoint to the clean lines and finishes of the updated design.

The layout emphasizes openness, with large historic windows that invite natural light into the apartment and provide views of the surrounding neighborhood. The original segmented floor plan has been transformed into an airy living area that seamlessly flows into the kitchen and dining spaces. A custom kitchen island serves as the focal point, promoting interaction, and creating a natural hub for cooking, and gathering. The cabinetry is sleek and understated, featuring custom white oak detailing throughout the apartment. Custom displays were designed to showcase the client's extensive collections. A unique solution for the bathroom was developed through close collaboration between the client and the design team, maximizing functionality within the limited space available.

At the heart of the project is an on-site hydroponic container farm that uses vertical farming techniques to provide fresh produce for the restaurant, consuming 99% less water than traditional methods. The whimsical touch of a conveyor belt and lift system delivers the harvested greens directly to the kitchen, offering a playful take on the “farm-to-table” experience.

From render to reality, its always fun to look back at where we strarted.

Working with a restrained design pallet while revamping the apartment above, we sought to maximize the living and dining. Wood trim elegantly lines thresholds, seamlessly blending with the preserved historic floors, creating a harmonious mix of past and present.