WEAVING HISTORY INTO MODERN DESIGN
AT SPINNING MILL LOFTS
threads of time: weaving art and history
into Spinning Mill Lofts
Nestled in the heart of Clayton, NC, Spinning Mill Lofts merges the rich heritage of a historic textile mill with modern aesthetic sensibilities, creating a unique living space that celebrates its past. Check out how Lauren and Studio 618 were tasked with infusing the building's deep-rooted textile legacy into a breathtaking fiber art focal wall for the property’s lobby, serving as a central piece of this multifamily development.
project overview
Spinning Mill Lofts by Taft Development Group and branded by Yellow Duck Marketing, represents a seamless blend of history and contemporary design. The project called for a distinctive installation that would pay homage to the site’s origins as a textile mill. Studio 618’s mission was to design an art piece that not only enhanced the property's interior but also resonated with its historical significance.
design inspiration
The inception of the fiber art focal wall was driven by Lauren's personal passion for fiber art and the site's textile history. "It was a golden opportunity to anchor the space in its historical context while introducing a modern art element," Lauren explains. The design was inspired by the property's past, incorporating elements that reflect the textures and colors found in traditional textile manufacturing.
creative process
The focal wall design began with extensive research into the mill's history and the existing architectural elements. Lauren and her team decided to integrate the building’s original elements into the design, using materials that echo the industrial past and the softness of textiles. The process involved sketching multiple concepts on Procreate, allowing the team to explore examples of various textures and compositions that could tell the building's story.
"The sketches are not just preliminary ideas; they represent different narratives we could pursue," Lauren notes. Each sketch proposed a different way to weave the old with the new, with the final design—option five, dubbed 'textures galore'—selected for its rich textural depth and color scheme that harmonizes with the interior design of the loft apartments.
fabrication and installation
The focal wall features a custom-built aluminum loom, designed to hold the intricate fiber art piece. This loom not only serves as the structural backbone of the installation but also as an interpretation of the property logo and the building itself. SignArt, the fabricator, played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life, ensuring that the loom’s fabrication matched Lauren's exacting standards.
"Collaborating with SignArt allowed us to experiment with materials and techniques that are not traditionally used in interior design and experiential design," says Lauren. This collaboration was essential in creating the three-dimensional aluminum letters of the logo, adding a layer of modernity to the installation.
material selection and artistic execution
The materials selected for the weaving—hand-spun wool, silk, recycled T-shirts, and vintage wooden textile spools, among others—were sourced from artisans globally, each contributing a unique texture and story to the piece. "This wall is not just an art installation; it’s a tapestry of global craftsmanship," Lauren reflects.
The execution involved detailed handwork, from warping and knotting the loom to integrating the various materials into a cohesive design. Time-lapse videos of the process highlight the meticulous care and artistic skill involved, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this unique piece, including the hand-knitted and hand-braided cords that are interwoven into the piece.
challenges and triumphs
One of the primary challenges was ensuring the installation's durability and maintenance, given the variety of materials used. Prototyping was crucial in this phase, allowing the team to test different textiles and weaving techniques to determine their longevity and visual impact.
Another challenge was integrating the artwork seamlessly with the existing interior design by SouthPark Interiors while making it a standout feature. "It needed to be eye-catching yet cohesive, which required a delicate balance," Lauren states. The choice of colors and textures was therefore critical, ensuring that the artwork complemented the interior without overwhelming it.
client and community impact
The fiber art focal wall has been met with acclaim, both from the client and residents of Spinning Mill Lofts. It serves as a conversation starter and a reminder of the site’s historical significance, bridging past and present through artistic expression. The installation has also sparked interest in the preservation of local history, engaging the community in discussions about the importance of heritage in contemporary design.
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final thoughts
This project exemplifies Studio 618’s commitment to integrating experiential design with historical elements, creating spaces that are not only functional but also narratively rich. Lauren reflects, “our work at Spinning Mill Lofts stands as a testament to the power of design to preserve and celebrate history.” She adds, “I really loved having the opportunity to combine my passion for fiber art with my skills in experiential design to create a custom piece that really makes this project stand out.”