Firm architects has converted an old warehouse into an office space by combining old brick walls with glass and steel and enhancing openings to get a light-filled interior. 

Called Converted Warehouse, the project was commissioned by a private investor to transform a 215-square-metre part of this 120-year-old Warehouse on one of the busiest harbors in the Port of Rotterdam in The Netherlands. 

The architects combined the poorly lit space with a north-facing facade with just a few windows meant the owner needed to be visionary in order to perceive a bright and well usable office space. 

The interior design of the office features minimalist attributes and leave the traces of the history behind it. The architects also used a limited color palette, which creates a soft contrast and transition between materials and uses.

"It is this capacity combined with the architectural aspirations and the open mind of the investor that ultimately have led to a strong collaboration with the architects and thoughtful design," said the office. 

The studio started their architectural task by researching the maximum number and size of possible new openings in the façade. All in close contact with the monuments' committee of the municipality. 

After securing the right to open-up the old window openings in the facade and add new windows and doors, the possibility to create a well-lit space was conceived. To further enhance this, Firm architects decided to disconnect the new interior from the old walls. 

This appearance of the design is somewhat subtracted from the original shell, the old brick walls has a dual purpose; it creates architectural contrast and it ensures the minimal north-facing daylight to flow in across both levels as the architects bridged the half meter between the interior and the outer wall with a glass floor over the full width of the facade. Furthermore, they added mirrors on the walls on both levels to enhance this effect.

In the interior, the design principle of subtracting the new from the old creates an enriched dialogue between the original building and its novice function. 

This is strengthened by technical material usage in the new interior such as aluminum wall paneling and a stainless steel kitchen. The wood paneling forms a volume embracing the large central vide and ensuring a perfect acoustic for an office.

Image © Firm Architects

Image © Firm Architects

Plans and elevations

Plans and sections

Details

Plans and elevations

Project facts

Official name of the project: Converted warehouse ZZ21

Location: Koningin Wilhelminahaven ZZ 21

Client name: ZZ21 BV

Architects/designers: Niek Joanknecht

Project Manager: Niek Joanknecht

Budget: €240.000

End of the project date: 02/2019

Dimension: 210 m2

All images © Studio de Nooyer unless otherwise stated.

All drawings © Firm architects

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