The Walden Lofts at Falling Waters

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The Walden Lofts at Falling Waters

Our Location:
We chose Falling Waters in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands as our location for a new loft
building. Although there is a structure there, we believe if that structure were not there, it would
be the ideal location for a transcendental loft building. The connection to nature in the area is
immense. The water fall directly beneath the building obviously is an ever constant reminder of
both the beauty and power of the natural world. In addition, the woodsy location of the building
is perfect for those who wish to leave the rest of the world behind and become one with nature.

The Layout:
An ideal
transcendental loft
would hold true with
feng shui beliefs. By
bringing balance and
nature into a person’s life, every aspect of their life will improve. Living with nature is how man is meant
to live. With nature incorporated strategically into a loft, not only will residents feel more comfortable
and natural in their homes, but they will also bring their improved feelings into their lives bettering
themselves as people. This loft at Falling Waters incorporates the basic nature of feng shui to increase the
residents’ connection with nature. The waterfall beneath the building helps people get in sync with their
lives and with their surroundings. The waterfall also brings in a connection with Walden, the inspiration
for the loft. In Walden Thoreau talks often about the pond and how beautiful it is and how he feels very
connected to nature through it. The waterfall here will do the same thing for tenants.

The very simple layout of the space contributes to the transcendental belief that essentially less is more.
In the middle of the loft is a miniature garden. Not only does this bring a connection to nature into the
transcendental loft, but earth also represents stability, patience and honesty. In the bedroom and kitchen
areas of the loft, all the furniture is wooden, wood being natural, as well as representing innovation and
creativity and childhood. The wood also indicates and improves instinct. Another way the loft helps
creativity and instinct is by combining earthy colors and metal throughout the loft. The layout of the loft
represents and improves areas of a person’s life. Also, it incorporates many objects which represent
transcendental ideals.

The Details:
In addition to presenting the layout of the proposed loft, these are some of the furnishings we recommend:

Dividers:

Anywhere you see a green dotted line, in the loft there would be a natural-colored curtain as seen below.
The brown dashed line simply shows that the kitchen appliances and supplies are found in that area.

Bathroom:
We wanted something very simple for all aspects of the loft and this modest toilet and sink couple does
the trick perfectly for the bathroom. Also the one person shower gives just enough space to serve its
purpose, but does not over power the room.

Bedroom:

Again going with


the simple theme,
the futon and dresser set work perfectly with the natural feel of the loft. The earth tones of the wood and
the futon cushion make the inhabitant feel as though they are truly in nature itself. Also the simplicity of
the room lends itself to become a sitting room as well. Another futon may be added if the tenant wishes
there to be more seating for company.

Garden:

The garden in the middle of the loft is the centerpiece of the entire room. This brings nature to the center
of everything that happens in the loft, and for a good reason. The ever-present garden will serve as a
constant reminder to the tenant that nature should be the focus of their life and that they can always learn
from nature, as Thoreau states in Walden. The tenant may plant whatever plants he or she desires in the
garden, so long as there is something there. This garden is also one of our eco-friendly aspects of the
room, as the plants in it will create oxygen and benefit the environment.

Lighting:

These awesome
light fixtures
will be in
every “room” of the loft (one in the bedroom, one in the
bath, one in the kitchen and two in the main area with
the garden). The lights are called Yhi Pendant lamps and are amazingly eco friendly. They are made out
of 100% recyclable plywood and their flat design allows them to be shipped more efficiently, therefore
reducing the carbon footprint as well. Combine these with the LED bulbs and the lighting in the loft is
about as eco-friendly as you can get! Another plus for the transcendental nature-lovers.

Kitchen:

We chose this
fridge because of its new design and because it is eco-friendly. Since the
fridge is broken up into smaller sections, it takes less energy to cool and less cold air escapes each time
you open the door. The stove was chosen because of its sleek design and because of the metal element
that works with the feung shui of the loft. In the same way, the cabinets were chosen because of their
simplicity and because the wood again represents nature. The countertop in the picture would also be
used. There will be a counter with 3 cabinets beneath it on the top dashed line in the layout. It is labeled
as such. In keeping with the wooden feel of the loft, the “silverware” will instead be woodenware as will
the dishes.

Other Aspects:

 A bicycle rack will be provided for use by all residents to promote eco-friendly travel.
 A yoga room and classes will be given every day to help the tenants center themselves.
 There will be areas around the building in which the inhabitants can spend time alone in nature.

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