need the dynamic of asking what
they think the pros and cons
are of doing this or that; how
will design decisions we make
affect their lifestyle? Can they
live without a particular space?"
Landis Architects Builders
owner and president Chris
Landis, AIA, recalls the dif-
ficulty of satisfying the seem-
ingly opposing desires for a
contemporary bathroom based
on such an old floor. "On the sur-
face, the two concepts worked
against each other, but we found
a way to make it work," he says.
Working in such an old build-
ing also presented its challenges,
such as hauling material up the
tight switchback stairways and
narrow hallways. Larger items,
Landis says, were hoisted in
through windows rather than
up stairs.
Construction lasted rough-
ly six weeks, without many
u n f o r e s e e n c o n s t r u c t i o n
obstacles except a little rewir-
ing and minor plumbing work.
Functionality of the bathroom
did not exist during work hours,
but — being the only bathroom
in the apartment — was restored
at the end of the day when the
owner returned home. One of
the owners was traveling abroad
during construction while the
other used workplace shower
facilities during construction,
which were fortunate conve-
niences for all involved, Landis
notes. "[The owner] never went
overnight without water to the
apartment." QR
14 April 2014 QR ForResidentialPros.com
PROJECTS: Master Design Solutions
The choice of orange tiles was
inspired by tiny tiles in the
mosaic floor pattern, and led
to the most costly product in
the project.
Although a tight fit between
sink and shower, the remodeled
bathroom is nearly double its
original size.
Photos: Greg Hadley Photography
QUR_12-15_MDS414.indd 14 3/28/14 10:03 AM