Designed in close collaboration with its artist owners, this Chelsea loft balances the desire for open space with the changing demands of living, working and creating within a single environment.

A series of sliding walls—each weighing more than 500 pounds—transforms the loft throughout the day, alternately becoming studio and exhibition walls while revealing or concealing the studio, office and living spaces as needed.

Inspired by the shared use of line in art and architecture, a continuous walnut line travels through the loft, changing function as it becomes shelving, stairs, door jambs, window sills, desks and countertops. This single architectural gesture unifies the space while defining the different activities within it. A restrained palette of walnut, Carrara marble and white provides a backdrop for Melissa Marks' artwork, including drawings created directly on the walls.