Deep douglas fir wood shelving was inset into the thickened fireplace wall, providing texture and scale for the living area. Wood and steel shelving highlight the kitchen window, while beautifully textured large black tiles provide interest and detail within this controlled palette.The dining area is anchored by a wall of cabinetry hiding 3 desks for schoolwork, crafts, and storage. Pocket sliding doors open to reveal a soft black laminate interior with plywood edges. Continuing with hidden functionality, the focal point of the primary bedroom is the wood shelving with a large rolling panel, hiding a TV as well as columns and mechanical chases to create a visually uncluttered room.

The stair was a challenge due to a shifted stacking layout, and original open risers with glass railings that felt foreign to the apartment. Unable to completely rebuild the stair, we instead recognized its potential to bring light and focus to the apartment. Treated as a single figure, folded steel plates define the stair, capturing and carving daylight through the floors. The typical residual stair space became a playful under-the-stair hideout built from plywood with cushions, pillows and storage for small toys, books.

The top of the stair ends in large windows overlooking the roof terrace, completing this serene refuge within the City.