A MODERN LIFE

TEXT BY SUNDI ROSE PHOTOS BY R. CALIGARIS

Inspired by an international style, the straight forward and contemporary loft of Marc and Marleen Olivié is a tribute to a philosophy that suggests “it is vain to do with more what can be done with less.” The home at the Eagle and Phenix Lofts
offered so many things to Marc and Marleen as they fell in love
with the gorgeous view of the water, the rich history of the building,
the industrial theme of the entire space and the convenience of
just shutting the door behind them when they travel.

Their home is especially unique to them because it provides perfect
means for living with their art. Their loft is where they come to rest,
enjoy art, read, listen to music and entertain friends. Surrounded by
the treasures they love, the Olivié’s are great admirers of the arts
and especially love to meet local artists. After they moved here in
2008 from Belgium, they purchased art from local favorites like
Sally Bradley, Hannah Israel and Joanna Ahlman.

With a space as minimal as their beautiful loft, it is important to
remember it is about the architectural space and the art. The art
and their space is more a philosophy that proves a simple, clean,
uncluttered space can have a grace and beauty unto itself while
providing the perfect medium to display several of their favorite
pieces of art.

There’s an understated mix of contemporary pieces and more modern classics
trough out the loft picked by the Olivié’s. Hanging on top of the plasma tv is Postludio, an acrylic on linen by Jose-Maria Yturralde. On the far right there is a bronze mask Magana from the cycle named Incarnation by Magdalena Abakanowicz.

Among the Olivé’s favorite attributes, the view of theChatthoochee River from the dining room is breathtaking. Architect, Will Barnes made sure this space has a functional fluidity combining the original architectural details such as
expansive windows, exposed brick walls, and soaring natural wood ceilings, all of which gives this room an undenialble personality. Placed by the wall a work by Susan York titlled Tilted Column—a graphite drawing on paper.

The entire home is considered one space, so every room flows into another. The
kitchen is no exception. Open on all sides, it is as modern as it is functional The appliances from Harvey Lumber Company sit flush with the cabinets, allowing for unbroken lines to rule this area. On the far left a video work by Bill Viola called Old Oak—a color HD video on LCD panel.

Local artists always find a welcome home in Marc and Marleen’s home. Sally
Bradley did the two large charcoal drawings on paper in the study, The white space surrounding the art was executed flawlessly by Foxworth Paint.

The master bedroom features work by Sean Scully, a series of five prints on
paper called “Etchings for Hans-Georg Gadamer.” So much work went
into transforming the generic loft into the beautifully executed home it is
today. Humphreys and Associates were an integral part in making the Olivié’s
dream come to fruition, as well as R&G Mechanical and ACW, Inc.

The guest room features a unique piece
by Judy Tuwaletstiwa named Tryptych 2:song, a
mixed media on canvas. For Marc and Marleen the
Eagle and Phenix Mills Lofts offer the location
and opportunities of city life with far more space
than average condos or apartment homes.

In a space with so much art, lighting is very important. To properly illuminate the pieces, Marc and Marleen turned to Zachry Engineering for the
lighting plans and to Alexander Electric for the installation. As a way to compliment the pieces hanging on the walls, simple furniture from Knoll fills the main living area. The back wall houses unique art pieces: Chasing Rainbow, LED lights in 12 tubes of 48” by Leo Villareal. Black Box in Asymmetrical form, made of solid granite by artist Susan York, and Paradise 16, Yakushima, Japan, C-Print, by Thomas Struth.