Old Factory Transformed into a Bright Modern Loft by Zecc Architects

Posted By Yuka Yoneda On February 16, 2011 @ 7:08 pm In Architecture,Green renovation | 1 Comment

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Zecc Architects ^[6]is known for taking decrepit old buildings ^[7] and transforming them into bright new livable spaces ^[8] - and that's exactly what they've done with this former factory. Located in Utrecht, Netherlands, the old brick building still looks from the outside the way it did when it served as a manufacturing plant. But the inside reveals a vast, open floorplan that preserves and celebrates the historic features of the original building, with plenty of room to spread out.

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The inside of the building boasts 250 m2 of living space that, despite the lack of walls, is partitioned into livable areas. Living, working and eating spaces are defined using colorful mats, a cool system that also saves on materials. The furniture and decor have been kept minimal in order to highlight the historic architectural features of the factory ^[9].

The factory’s original wooden beams have been preserved and add an element of the old to the bright, modern space. The loft’s slanted skylights allow the large room to be naturally lit ^[10] during the day, cutting down on electricity.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

By renovating existing buildings instead of erecting new ones from scratch, we can save energy and avoid carbon emissions (not to mention money). Plus, why demolish something as cool and still functional as this charming factory?

+ Zecc ^[6]

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/old-factory-transformed-into-a-modern-loft-by-zecc-architects/

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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/old-factory-transformed-into-a-modern-loft-by-zecc-architects/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/old-factory-transformed-into-a-modern-loft-by-zecc-architects/zecc-factory-converted-into-loft-7/?extend=1

[6] Zecc Architects : http://www.zecc.nl/

[7] old buildings: http://inhabitat.com/chapel-transformed-into-stunning-modern-residence-in-utrecht/

[8] new livable spaces: http://inhabitat.com/puzzling-escher-inspired-rotterdam-house-renovation/

[9] factory: http://inhabitat.com/farts-to-fuel-new-methane-processing-plant-in-greenpoint-brooklyn/

[10] naturally lit: http://inhabitat.com/daylighting

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