Wedge Loft by Luis Gomez-Siu Design Studio

Wedge Loft, as its name suggests, makes its mark by maximising every corner of an atypical wedge floor plan. Luis Gomez-Siu Design Studio embraced the project’s inherent challenges to conceive a functional space that adopts simplicity in shape and form.

One of the most valuable characteristics of loft apartments is their double height. For Wedge Loft, the Sydney-based architect draws attention to the residence’s height over the internal balcony and living room by introducing architectural elements, finishes and soft furnishings to visually enhance the overall effect. Double-height curtains drape effortlessly, while cladded walls and floor-to-ceiling sculptures validate the generous volume.

Citing Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican as an architectural reference for a similar trapezoidal shape, Wedge Loft maintains a sense of spaciousness across a small footprint by engaging a widened perspective with minimal interruption.

The strength of Wedge Loft’s design is furthered by Gomez-Siu’s consideration of optical effects. Citing Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican as an architectural reference for a similar trapezoidal shape, Wedge Loft maintains a sense of spaciousness across a small footprint by engaging a widened perspective with minimal interruption. The walls are kept intentionally bare and devoid of traditional wall-mounted artworks to allow the sunlight to wash the walls and contribute to the voluminous feeling.

There are three highly important design functions in Wedge Loft that soften and aid this demarcation of space. The first is curtains. The double-height sheers filter the brightness through the living room, while additional curtains in this active space can make the kitchen disappear entirely, allowing a more intimate dining or entertaining experience without the burden of dirty dishes in plain sight. In the more privatised loft, a much heavier bedroom curtain is drawn to help insulate in winter and act as a blackout.

For Wedge Loft, the Sydney-based architect draws attention to the residence’s height over the internal balcony and living room by introducing architectural elements, finishes and soft furnishings to visually enhance the overall effect.

The second important design function is the curved wall. Gomez-Siu conceived the curvature as a disruption to the open-plan space, establishing a mini foyer close to Wedge Loft’s entry. The curved wall not only allows for storage but hosts a pantry and fridge as well as hiding the front door – coats hanging, shoes sitting – from view of the living room, where the majority of time is spent.

Lastly, Wedge Loft’s emphasis on contrast and interplay between black and white elements helps to distinguish various zones of living. Smaller spaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and study, exist in a richly dark palette to make them disappear within the greater picture, while the stark and ample whiteness of this light-filled apartment are front and centre alongside the interior landscaping.

The strength of Wedge Loft’s design is furthered by Gomez-Siu’s consideration of optical effects.

Wedge Loft is a pragmatic lesson in urban living. Prioritising function, Gomez-Siu has designed a sophisticatedly simple dwelling for a work-from-home occupant with a penchant for entertaining.

Architecture and interior design by Luis Gomez-Siu Design Studio.