THE FOUNDRY
This adaptive reuse project is a former 20th
The main circulation areas are located in the
century shoe-polish factory transformed into
atrium, creating a dynamic space with bridges
offices and spaces for charity organizations. “The
and staircases that are oriented in different
old factory has a beautiful, robust quality that
directions. The new building, which has four
is hard for modern buildings to match” (Can
storeys in total, was designed to have meeting
architecture build a community? | Little Atoms,
rooms, offices, lounge areas, café, administration
2016). The building is a perfect example of how
offices and a large roof terrace.
old industrial architecture and contemporary architecture can merge together in harmony,
The materiality of the projects is faithful to the
creating something unique and inspiring.
industrial feel of the old factory. While the factory is made from bricks which we’re left exposed to
The
“We
preserve its individuality, the new extension is
wanted the new structure to reflect the existing
architect,
Lynton
Pepper
states:
mainly made from exposed concrete and wood
building’s industrial nature by keeping its
which actually complements the materiality
structure exposed, hence the new extension’s
of the industrial building. The use of exposed
bare concrete soffits and raw-looking materials,
concrete retains the idea of pragmatism and
such as MDF, timber battens cladding staircases
efficiency close related to industrial buildings.
and recycled carpet tiles used for flooring.” (Can
While the exposed concrete and bricks gives
architecture build a community? | Little Atoms,
the building a more industrial look, the use of
2016).
wood tends to provide it warmth and balance (Lutyens, 2016).
A series of gable roofs we’re used to relate with the gable roof of the existing shoe-polish factory.
The project also approached sustainability as a
By using the existing structure, it provided a cost
critical driving force for the entire design. The
effective solution that blended the old with the
difference of thermal performance between the
new (Lutyens, 2016).
old factory and the new extension was an issue in order to maintain the U values very low. The
The interior of the former factory has been
factory was insulated accordingly to avoid heat
reconfigured in order to inhabit new open plan
loss.
office spaces. Most of the internal walls we’re removed in order to have larger spaces, while the structure and façade of the building remained intact. Between the old building and the new extension, an interior atrium was formed, which brings natural sunlight into the building. This open void sets the division between the old and the new.
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