H2 Hawkins + Hawkins Architects

Jun 2014

The Project is located one block from the citys central park, in a pedestrian friendly, mixed-use urban center that is populated with restaurants, coffee shops and shopping. This classic, four-story, modern building, offers panoramic views of the city skyline, the park and the bay; and served as the citys Blood Bank for nearly forty years. Originally built with open concrete coffered ceilings, columns, and floors; these classic elements were lost throughout the years when the floor plans were broken into small office spaces, covered with carpeting, drywall, and drop ceilings. Our goal was to design expansive, energy-efficient units and expose the concrete interiors to create a bold, clean, industrial loft. To accomplish this, the concrete was sandblasted; the concrete floors were ground smooth and sealed; single glazed windows were replaced with energy efficient, dual glazed floor- to-ceiling vinyl windows with a bronze finish; and new energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems were installed. The unit floor plans were left open to provide for a flexible work-live environment, including the layout of the modern linear kitchens. Private exterior balconies, with bi-fold glass doors, were added; with the ground floor units opening out to private landscaped patios. The ground floor commercial space was designed for the future addition of a restaurant, office or retail space. Through the adaptive re-use of this timeless structure, a unique and innovative loft-living opportunity has been afforded to upscale urban professionals.

$3m

San Diego, CA