Adaptive reuse / Tag

Kanemitsusyuzo: Preserving Sake Brewing Tradition in Hiroshima

A modern, minimalist-style Japanese building with an arched entrance and large windows overlooking a courtyard.

Fathom‘s renovation of the Kanemitsusyuzo sake brewery in Hiroshima, Japan, beautifully blends tradition and modernity. This 2021 project breathes new life into the 123-year-old brewery, preserving its historic architecture while introducing contemporary design elements.

From the interplay of materials like burnt cedar, plaster, and red brick to the organic R-line that expresses the vibrancy of the brewing process, this sake tasting room and retail space pays homage to the brewery’s rich heritage while welcoming a new generation of visitors.

Casa Acerbis: Gabriele & Oscar Buratti’s Modern Reinterpretation

Sleek, modern interior with plush teal sofa, abstract artwork, and large globe light.

Casa Acerbis in Albino, Italy is a captivating project that seamlessly blends public and private spaces. Designed by the renowned duo Gabriele & Oscar Buratti in 2023, this house showcases a unique “typological hybridization,” merging the traditional architecture of the historic town center with the modern concept of a private villa.

The design completes the facade along the piazza, reinterpreting classic elements, while the inner courtyard transforms into a secluded garden oasis, creating a harmonious balance between the urban and the domestic. Visitors to this exceptional residence will be enchanted by the interplay of light, materiality, and the thoughtful articulation of spaces that define this remarkable Italian home.

Weng’s Factory: Reviving Bangkok’s Iconic Wooden Lathe Co-Working Space

Large open industrial space with metal framing, exposed ceilings, and vintage decor.

Weng’s Factory Co-Working Space in Bangkok, Thailand, designed by Architect Nonsense in 2023, seamlessly blends the building’s industrial past with its new function as a vibrant community hub. This former wooden lathe factory, once the domain of generations, has undergone a remarkable transformation, retaining its architectural charm while catering to the evolving needs of modern coworkers.

The design concept masterfully integrates the factory’s original elements, such as timber facades, wooden trusses, and manufacturing equipment, to create a unique and inspiring work environment.

Maison KN: Sustainable and Inward-Focused Residence in Vietnam

A vibrant indoor garden oasis with lush vegetation and a contemporary architectural design.

Maison KN, a stunning individual house nestled in the historic core of Hanoi, Vietnam, showcases the innovative design of NGHIA Architect. Commissioned for the grown children of a longstanding Hanoi family, this future-proof dwelling balances openness and comfort, integrating living, working, and leisure spaces seamlessly. Designed in 2023, the house stands out with its unique facade that “reflects” the randomness of the surrounding rooftops, creating different visual frames on each floor. The highlight is the 3rd-floor garden, featuring a floating walkway that brings in natural light and ventilation, while also ensuring privacy.

ADND Office: A Modernist Oasis in Mumbai’s Historic Heart

Entrance lobby with dark wooden panels, framed art displays, and a metal bench against a lush plant.

Embarking on a new chapter in the vibrant heart of Mumbai, ADND’s office project embraces a redefined syntax of raw materiality and bold architectural nuances. Designed in 2024, this office space in India showcases the creative vision of Atelier Design N Domain, led by Principal Architects Anand Menon and Shobhan Kothari.

The 100-year-old industrial compound, once a heritage enterprise, has been meticulously transformed into a sanctuary of boundless creativity and self-expression, reflecting the shared experiences of the ADND team.

Convent of the Sacred Heart Library: Restoring Historic Charm

Ornate wood-paneled library with modern furnishings and bookshelves covering the walls.

The Convent of the Sacred Heart Library in New York City has undergone a stunning refurbishment by 1100 Architect, blending modern design elements with the historic character of the early 20th-century landmarked building.

This library, part of an all-girls K-12 school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, now features a welcoming environment with the strategic use of color, texture, and pattern. Modular furniture allows for versatile group and individual study settings, while naturally lit nooks provide spaces for focused learning. The project is part of an ongoing collaboration between 1100 Architect and Convent of the Sacred Heart, which also includes the recent design of a new Future Lab and Makerspace.

Anderson House: Bernal Heights Victorian Cottage Reinvented

FeaturedCozy living space with wooden platform bed, plush seating, and nature-inspired artwork.

Designed by acclaimed architect Gisela Schmoll, the Anderson House in San Francisco, California, represents a captivating blend of contemporary design and historic charm. This meticulously renovated Victorian cottage in the vibrant Bernal Heights neighborhood has been transformed into a modern, light-filled living space tailored to the needs of its residents.

Featuring an open-plan layout, expansive primary suite, and thoughtfully excavated basement, the Anderson House showcases the potential of adaptive reuse in historical contexts, providing a harmonious connection between the past and present.

Monroe Street Abbey: From Gothic Revival to Modern Hub in Arizona

Impressive courtyard with ornate arched windows, steel-framed balconies, and lush greenery.

The Monroe Street Abbey in Phoenix, United States, is a remarkable example of adaptive reuse in action. Designed by Jones Architects Studio, this 1929 Italian Gothic revival-style structure was once a Baptist church, but after a devastating fire in 1984, its future remained uncertain until the nonprofit Housing Opportunity Center stepped in to salvage the building.

Through a comprehensive restoration and remodel, the Abbey has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring a courtyard garden, performance spaces, and a mix of leasable tenant spaces. With its historic integrity preserved and modern functionalities integrated, the Monroe Street Abbey promises to be a local treasure and a symbol of Phoenix’s resilience.