Loft Vocabulary
Loft:
Lofts for sale in Chicago are generally former commercial and industrial buildings converted and now used for residential purposes. Two primary structural building materials are prevalent, timber and concrete. General features of lofts in Chicago include: open living floorplans, high ceilings, expansive rooms / spaces, exposed ductwork, and a general tendency towards informal living.
True Loft:
Also know as “hard” lofts. Traditionally considered timber buildings only. Now the term has expanded to concrete buildings. Typical features of these loft condos in Chicago include: exposed brick, high ceilings, expansive light, and incomplete separation of space. Form before Function.
Soft Loft:
Soft Loft: Very popular as new construction. Typical features include high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and more drywall than not. Function before Form.
Concrete Loft:
Obvious due to the nature of the structural building material. Typical features include concrete columns, pillars, ceilings and sometimes floors. Preferred by some due to the superior “sound proofing” capabilities of concrete. Clean architectural lines and a sense of minimalism make these buildings popular with homeowners desiring a more modern look in River North lofts.
Timber Loft:
The oldest of all lofts buildings. Timber lofts typically feature heavy timber beams and ceilings, hardwood floors, and exposed brick walls. Still considered by some as the only true lofts, timber lofts remain the benchmark of loft living. The natural warmth and character of wood gives these lofts timeless appeal.
