Phil & Hali's Quintessential Loft

Phil & Hali's Quintessential Loft

Name: Hali & Philip Durham

Profession: Architect - www.studiodurham.com

Location: Soulard — St. Louis, MO

Size: overall building 9,600 square feet, Residence 5,400 square feet

Years lived in: 7 — owned

It never hurts to be an award-winning architect. Most people in Saint Louis pass decrepit warehouses for years, writing them off as mere evidence of urban blight. When Phil Durham was looking for a live/work space, he reached into his own back pocket for the vision and skill to do the job.

Phil, along with his wife Hali, converted a 10,000 square foot warehouse into second-floor digs for themselves, and space for Studio l Durham, Phil's architectural firm, on the ground level. Each morning, Phil can pop downstairs to the office, usually with dog Tallulah in tow. Most would agree; it's not a bad commute.

Upstairs is a quintessential loft, with signature exposed brick, original structural beams, galvanized ductwork, and the mechanics of an old counter-weight elevator rising up from the floor below. Custom kitchen cabinetry, and wrapped stainless steel countertops, are drool-worthy for serious cooks. Phil and Hali decorated the space with design classics, along with more traditional pieces made by Hali's Italian grandfather.

What elicits the most oohs and ahhs, however, is the courtyard off their kitchen. Phil essentially peeled back the roof off the rear of the building, leaving the original exterior brick walls and windows. Outside, it still reads warehouse. Inside, it's an open-air extension of their living space, a roofless room that is both light-filled and private.

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: modern

Favorite Element: wide open spaces with natural light

Biggest Challenge: building for a budget of $75.00/sf which included purchasing building

Proudest DIY: We were our own general contractor and did all the finish work ourselves.

Biggest Indulgence: Rais rotating wood stove or Viking range

Best Advice: Have a good plan and stick to it.

Resources of Note:

LIVING ROOM

• Woodstove: Rais
• Floor Lamp 1: Arco Floor Lamp - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Floor Lamp 2: Tolomeo Mega with Parchment shade - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Kitchen Stools: Juliette from Cerruti Baleri - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Chaise Lounge: Le Corbusier in pony hide, Cassina - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Guest chairs: Wassily chair, purchased from flea market; Eames plywood lounge
• Coffee Table: Studio|Durham
• Club chairs: my wife's grandfather, recovered in black micro fiber
• Wall mount console: my wife's grandfather, re-painted in red

DINING ROOM

• Dining Room Table: Driade Italia - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Dining Room Chairs: Alias aluminum/mesh - Centro modern Furnishings

SECOND FLOOR DECK

• Chaise Lounges/Lounge & Ottoman: Alias aluminum/mesh - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Chairs: Bertoia Diamond Chair - Knoll
• Coffee Table: Studio|Durham

DRESSING ROOM

• Stool: Alvar Alto - Centro Modern Furnishings
• Closet System: Elfa
• Dresser: Studio|Durham

Thanks, Phil & Hali!

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