September 18, 2020

Alloy and RR Interiors Transform Two Historic Dumbo Paint Factories into Residential Lofts

The updated exteriors in the old neighborhood. Photography courtesy of Alloy Development.

The charm of Brooklyn can be felt on nearly every block in the borough, where designers and architects have long been repurposing and transforming historic buildings to ensure their original façades remain intact, while updating their functionality to fit today’s commercial and housing needs. In Dumbo, two centuries-old paint factories have been combined into a modern lofted apartment building, thanks to the joint powers of Alloy’s architecture team and RR Interior’s namesake designer, Rebecca Robertson. 

The interiors feature warm yet industrial accents. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov. 

The 1891 Brick and Timber and 1921 Daylight Factory presented Alloy with the opportunity to create apartments with unique open floor plans in their living areas, high ceilings, and ample natural light, while maintaining the buildings’ original textures. Robertson, who has lived in a historic New York City loft herself, designed the interiors based on her own experience. Using different furniture groupings and rugs, she defines distinct living areas within the larger space, brought together with a unified color palette. The warm tones throughout feature hints of black, which Robertson chose to echo the strong architecture of the windows.

The tambour wood wall and extended headboard hide the Avera custom closet designed by The Container Store. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov

Robertson layers the interiors in soft, organic textures, furnishings, décor, and accessories to create a harmonious space that feels lived-in. RR Interior’s emphasis on sourcing from small vendors and artisans yields artwork and fixtures that are more individualized to the apartment owners’ taste, giving the pieces a feeling of discovered treasure.

The tapestry displayed here, entitled Karu, Robertson sourced from South Africa and hung above the custom desk by Alloy and Braga Woodworks. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov.

During the design process, the COVID-19 pandemic created a massive shift in centering the home as a multi-use hub for work, school, and family. Not only did Robertson create floorplans that establish separate corners to work, study, and socialize, but Alloy collaborated with Braga Woodworks to create a flexible worktable that can be reconfigured into two individual desks.

The expansive windows enable natural light to flood the kitchen and dining room area. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov.

Other stand-out design features in the model apartment include custom stools in the entryway by Skagerak, as well as the dining chairs by Thonet, which adorn a table by Braga Woodworks. The space is accented by an Artemide chandelier designed by Neri and Hu

The Ethnicraft credenza and custom Skagerak stools pair well together alongside the Côte à Coast plush rug and Norm Architects oval mirror in the entry way. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov.  
The cube shelves across from the bunk bed enable users to create custom shapes in different sizes. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov.
A glimpse inside the spa-like bathroom. Photography courtesy of Pavel Bendov

A street level view of 168 Plymouth, with a rendering of the future penthouse suite. Image courtesy of Alloy Development. 

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