Manuel Oncina Architects-Madigan Loft

2003 SARA (Society of American Registered Architects)- Superior Achievement and Professional Design Design Award of Honor

A modern loft with Asian undertones was the request from this urban couple in a mid-rise building in downtown San Diego.

The program consisted of a large living room, a dining room large enough to accommodate the solid maple dining table, a modern European kitchen, a study, a small exercise room and a master bedroom suite. The new space needed to display the extensive art collection in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

The design concept was to develop a modulated sequence of spaces beginning at the entry and terminating at the master bedroom.

The entry is defined by two walls a small with a narrow gap at their intersection. The space is covered by a 7 foot ceiling directing guests directly into the living room. A full size Buddha scroll greets guests upon entering on the facing wall.

The living room is dominated by a black granite mantel over the fireplace. The fireplace wall is punctuated by lighted niches for the Asian figurines. An antique Merckle motorcycle is mounted floating over the mantle.

The spatial sequence continues through the dining room, adjacent to the kitchen. The dining room is flanked by large windows opening up to the terrace. The hardwood floor continues the enfilade through the study area separated from the master bedroom suite by a Japanese shoji screen, guarded by an antique samurai armor. The space is further defined by a curved stainless steel wall serving as a screen for a powder room and the laundry.

Project received the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
Design Award of Honor, 2004

Updated: September 23, 2008