Golden Spiral Design Studio
An Unexpected Live/Workspace
“The best way to inspire people is to be inspired ourselves with the way we live and work”
I wanted to make this studio a place that reflects the heart of Golden Spiral Design – an eclectic mix of materials, light and all things colorful, joyful and sustainable.
Step into our studio, pull up a comfy chair and let’s get started designing.
This former auto garage has been transformed into the perfect live workspace.
Look up and, you’ll see an eclectic mixture of lighting which help to delineate spaces in our open floor plan.
One of my favorites is a handcrafted recycled wood fixture centered above our glass meeting table.
The ceilings in the garage are an impressive 14 feet high.
Interior transoms enable the abundant south facing daylight to enter spaces that have no access to natural light.
Plants are an integral part of our interiors and an organic counterpoint to colorful paint and accessories.
As a nod to our company name, Golden Spiral, the existing spiral staircase that leads to the loft was painted gold.
The former garage office was gutted to create a cozy residential apartment.
Almost everyone likes a good before and after story! The transformation of our project is indeed remarkable.
Boca Raton, Florida is well known for its affluent gated golf communities, manicured landscapes, and pristine beaches. Unlike cities such as Pittsburgh and Cincinnati where industrial is synonymous with the name, Boca’s industrial area is inconspicuous. That’s why the unexpected location of this bustling industrial section is the perfect setting for a hidden gem. Julie Lundin, Interior Designer and Abraham Wien, Environmental Architect have created just that; a distinctive live-work studio. They have transformed what was once a run-down auto body shop with ground contamination into their office, studio, and residence. While the contamination enabled a reduced purchase price, it was still a financial gamble as the cost of the remediation was unknown. With Julie and Abraham’s commitment and passion for design, the built environment, and sustainability, this industrial property has been rehabbed into a warm, inviting, and environmentally friendly enclave.
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The front of the building houses the residential space. This area includes a large kitchen, bathroom, open living space, and a cozy loft. A peek inside the space shows a metal spiral staircase leading to the loft. The spiral stairs were kept intact from the original body shop but painted a soft metallic gold as a nod to the design firm’s name Golden Spiral Design. This portion of the building was designed to be self-contained with a separate entrance and electric meter should future usage needs change. The base footprint of the entire building is not quite 2,000 square feet so creative design solutions were needed to maximize the functionality of a live-work concept.
In the residential apartment a full bathroom and modern, open kitchen were added. To build visual charm, hidden structural wood ceiling beams were exposed and stained, tile that mimics aged wood was installed, old Chicago brick and mixed metal finishes were specified. Soft industrial pendant lighting combined with mini recessed lights provide a clean soft industrial feel.
As empty nesters, Julie and Abraham were able to utilize some of their favorite pieces from previous homes. These include one of a kind furniture, rugs, accessories and art all of which add a touch of character and allure. The color palette of warm greys and wood tones with punches of color and contemporary art creates a visually inviting and interesting space.
The original main auto garage is used as the open concept studio/office for their various businesses including Golden Spiral Design and Emerald Skyline, a sustainable consulting firm. To delineate areas of the open space furniture placement and lighting were utilized. The walls are painted a crisp white which showcase the concrete block walls, their inherent imperfection and years of use. A modified exposed interior was created with a galvanized metal soffit that hides electrical and air conditioning components. The building does not contain large air conditioning duct work as energy efficient wall mounted units are being used to cool the space. The three original overhead garage doors are still intact and used as metal shades for privacy and sun control. Light filters into the space through floor-to-ceiling windows that formerly had been the bay doors. The garage concrete floors were polished and sealed still showing the shapes, imperfections, and natural patina of the building. Old Chicago brick was added to both the interior and exterior walls to emulate the character of old industrial buildings. The open concept work/studio space is also used as an extension of the front residential apartment. Business meetings, large and small, are held in this area as well as a gathering place for family and friends.
The back portion of the building was originally a painting stall with an overhead garage door and metal industrial French doors. The overhead door remains with a custom designed metal structure and clear enclosure to allow for the space to be air conditioned while the door mechanism is in view. The metal French doors were refurbished and are a gorgeous design element in the space. High gloss cabinetry in a rich golden brown was added for much needed storage and includes a murphy bed for guests. This space which they call “the workshop” allows for privacy once the large, colorful barn door is pulled to. It also contains an added ADA bathroom, free standing glass shower, and washer and dryer.
The facades and grounds were designed to visually create an inviting enclave. Sustainable Trex fencing was installed which offers total privacy as well as security with a mechanical gate. Paver areas were added to graciously accompany the main entrance exterior awning as well as an outdoor patio for work breaks and weekend entertaining. The landscape utilizes a water efficient drip system and there is no grass to be watered and cut. During the construction of the building Julie and Abraham purchased a shipping container that was kept on the property for construction materials. “Shelly” the shipping container still remains for added storage and is a beloved addition to the property. The residential entrance door is painted a sunny yellow and an old Chicago brick patio was added.
The exterior highlight of the building is the front apex. Once the most unsightly elevation, it is now a green oasis with landscaping including bronze trellises and jasmine vines. Also adding to the character of this space is a custom designed recycled glass mosaic illuminated by goose neck lighting. It is a welcoming feature both during the day and night. The mosaic showcases a nautilus shell which is a natural habitat with design symbolism and inspiration for the company name Golden Spiral Design.
With their commitment to reducing negative environmental impact of the built environment, Julie and Abraham applied sustainable and energy efficient principles in the design and specifications of this building. The following are key sustainable components of this project.
• Site Remediation
• Construction Waste Recycling
• Adaptive Reuse of Undesirable Property
• Highly Reflective Roof and added Insulation
• No additional Building Footprint added
• Energy Efficient HVAC
• Energy Efficient Windows
• Energy Efficient LED Lighting
• Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures
• Energy Efficient Appliances
• Recycling and Composting
• Low VOC Paint and Finishes
• Daylighting
• Interior Plantscape
• Drip Irrigation System