Library Shaft
Located in a converted warehouse in downtown Calgary, the client’s loft had an unused space that was once part of the building’s industrial elevator shaft. Taking advantage of the room’s high ceilings and small footprint, the space was adapted into a climbable library and music studio. The verticality of the room prompted the design of a climbable shelving system that playfully and efficiently uses minimal floor area while providing ample storage and display space. The millwork wall has handholds and foot tabs integrated into the structure to facilitate climbing and make fetching a book fun. Using a CNC mill to produce the baltic birch components, the display boxes and structure were fabricated in the Studio North wood shop and then assembled on-site, limiting the client’s exposure to power tools and sawdust.
Location: Beltline, Calgary
Area: 100 sq. ft.
Status: Completed April 2015
