03 Feb
The sheer size of this former factory in SoHo New York was enough to convince the producer to move in. As this building was built in 1896, all he have found originally was a grand facade on the outside and crumbling industrial interior on the inside, with gigantic windows. Seeing the potential, Marcus snapped it up and assigned architects Asfour Guzy to transform it into a contemporary home for his family, while retaining its original character.
We wanted to create the impression that our home always looked this way, so minimal changes were made to the exterior
says Marcus. Surprisingly, the only addition is some graffiti sprayed onto the old garage doors which now serve as the main entrance to the house, helping it blend seamlessly into the streetscape. Inside, as many of the original materials and finishes as possible have been retained, including the exposed bricks, the massive ceiling girders and beams and the solid steel window frames.
The interior of the building has been divided into seven different levels. The most decadent of these is the ground floor, which accommodates a gigantic swimming pool. This unexpected addition is visible through panes of glass in the entrance hall and guest room.
The family’s main living space is located on the second floor and comprises a vast open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. The industrial theme continues in the concrete and stainless steel kitchen, but the effect has been softened with dark timber floorboards, white couches and a dramatic antique fireplace.
We had to install furniture with an exaggerated scale or else it would get list in the room
explains Marcus.
The bedrooms are on the two floors above. They feel much cosier with their lower ceilings, textured fabrics and a smattering of antiques. Capping it all off is a roof terrace birsting with wisteria, ivy and mulberry trees.
As a filmmaker, my sets exist temporarily – says Marcus, sitting among the lush greenery. – Hopefully this building will be constant in our lives. The structure will remain, but its rooms will act like great canvasses on which we can always create something new.
The interior design was done by MJZ Architecture, plasterwork by James Conran.