Father and daughter owners of American furniture brand Emeco have transformed an old Los Angeles sewing factory into a multipurpose space with the help of architect David Saik.
Envisioned as a “conversation space”, the 1940s building was given open volumes to host exhibitions, events and workshops aimed at designers, architects and the local community.
Staunch advocates of sustainability, the Emeco founders insisted on restoring the ailing structure instead of building it from scratch. Using the original structure as a base, Saik added and reduced to the existing elements to conjure a space that comes into its own while integrating the project brief to the T. Along with its solar panels, the addition of light wells, skylights and large doorways and openings keep the space manageably cool with cross ventilation.
It’s hard not to miss the towering cactus that stands beneath a skylight, a charming feature that sets the tone for the rest of the space. “The cactus brings the exterior and the interior together and provides a great deal of joy to the atmosphere of the architecture,” says Said.
Visitors can move seamlessly across the airy volumes, which feature simple, modern furnishings by local contractors and wood beam ceilings. The second floor houses a guest room for sleeping, cooking and eating.
David Saik Studio is based in Berlin, providing personal attention to small-scale commissions for a variety of private and institutional clients. Discover their work on their website and Instagram.
Photography © Martin Tessler for David Saik Studio