H2O Lofts is unleashing one of the city's newest loft developments..
The H2O Lofts community entices observers with designs emulating flowing water. From the sidewalks just outside the building, into the lobby and up the staircase that leads to the units, extensive glass-tile accents and tunnel effects were used to evoke an aquatic feeling.
While these tile accents cost a pretty penny, the project's designer is confident it was well worth the investment: By turning what might have been an ordinary San Francisco loft development into a work of art, the developer sold out the project before it was completed.
"There were five people behind every purchase order before there was a running sink in the place, said Linda Sussman, owner of Sussman Design Group and the project's designer.
Sussman likens the H2O Lofts to a boutique hotel rather than a typical loft development. Located in San Francisco's South of Market district, residents can enjoy the trendy neighborhood's museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and nightclubs just outside the front door. But the main attraction lies in the development's unique design and architectural qualities, exemplified, Sussman said, by the recurring theme of glass tile.
"My client is very dedicated to San Francisco and fastidious about a loft addition to this city being very aesthetic," Sussman said. "I wanted to design something fresh and clean. I used the glass tile to give the appearance of water instead of using actual water features. Where the tile is lit, it actually looks like tinkling water."
Glass tile embedded in the sidewalk in front suggests a moat and, according to Sussman, "seduces you into the building." The moat runs into the building's entry where dark brown walls are complemented with aqua tile. "The accents just pop," noted Sussman.
Sussman also used Villi-Glas tiles to dress the building's winding staircase that connects the lobby to individual units. The units themselves feature a glass tile accent at their doorsteps.
The building's showpiece, however, is the unique sculpture gracing its 40-foot atrium. "My clients wanted an actual water feature, but I said it would smell and get moldy and I wouldn't do it. The sculpture runs straight through the atrium and goes up four floors. I used stereo cable and chrome pulls on the sides so that it resembles a corset," Sussman said. "It laces up four floors and ties in a bow at the top. Behind the lacing--within an indentation--are little pieces of oblong tile resembling water. It is as if there is actual water in the sculpture."
The 28 live-work lofts, ranging from 900 to 1,400 square feet, were designed with private walkout terraces, office alcoves and floor-to-ceiling windows. Additional interior features include granite kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances and Casablanca white marble bathrooms.
San Francisco lofts, condos, and real estate
