Reid Dewson

What is a "hard" loft ?

A true loft is a conversion of a vintage factory or warehouse. They have a harder edge as they are usually constructed of concrete or "mill" construction of exposed brick, original wood posts, beams and floors. Typically, these lofts have an open floorplan and unfinished ceilings that are at least 10' high with exposed ducts, plumbing and electrical. These types of loft, which are rare in Vancouver, can usually be found in Gastown, Yaletown or Crosstown.

What is a "soft" loft?

In recent years developers have built new buildings with some of the characteristics of a hard loft such as high ceilings, big windows and open floorplans. These lofts typically have a softer edge......no exposed ducts and plumbing, carpet in some areas and upscale kitchens and baths. Soft lofts have more in common with traditional condominiums than a true hard loft.

What is an "artist live/work" loft?

In the late 1980's the City of Vancouver passes a bylaw that allowed the development of buildings with "artist live/work" zoning. The first of these developments appeared in the Brewery Creek area of Mount Pleasant in the early 1990's and most featured minimal finishing, 16' ceilings and steel frame construction. The City's zoning restricted their use to people who were engaged in a precisely defined list of artistic activities. Over time these buildings have come to be occupied by people who simply enjoy the loft life.

Here are some of the unique joys of the loft life:

• Industrial buildings.
  The term loft began in New York and Chicago when renters and owners began turning old industrial buildings into living spaces. The original tenants were artists who craved the high ceilings, large windows and open floor plans typical of converted warehouses and factories.
  
• Open spaces.
  The primary benefit of loft living is the large open spaces that allow you to live and move how you want, rather than having your movement defined by a permanent floor plan of walls, doorways and rooms.
  
• Define your areas.
  In a loft, the floor plan can be fluid and ever changing. You can set up a sleeping area in one part of the space, then move it somewhere else if you have guests or if you just need the area for another use. Kitchens and bathrooms are more permanent, of course, but temporary partitions, hanging curtains, or even changes in floor covering can define other spaces.
  
• Eclectic style.
  Another nice aspect of many lofts is the opportunity for eclectic design and decorating. For example, a loft might feature soft, delicate window treatments on reinforced factory windows, or a modern couch sitting on a hundred-year-old hardwood floor. This mixture of old with new and practicality with comfort can form a wonderful esthetic that makes the most of a loft's mixed-use nature.

Lofts used to be considered multi-function residences with both living and work spaces within them. They've now evolved to become simply fashionable residences.

Not everyone agrees on what exactly a loft is. Purists argue that lofts only refer to factories or plants that have been converted into residences. Required accents in these homes include huge windows, beams or columns supporting 16 foot ceilings, and a maple or concrete floor.

Newer developers believe that lofts refer to any apartments that fit the principals of loft design: open layouts, large windows, and unique finishes in an urban location. These discrepencies have led to new terminology such as new loft, fake loft, soft loft, loft-inspired, mezzanine suites, "true" lofts and loft-influenced.

Lofts are generally decorated in a minimalist style with high ceilings and soaring views of the city skyline.