The project begins with a pair of existing industrial semi-Ds distanced in awkward proportions from one another and thus calls for additions and alterations.The unpleasant existing buildings originally meant for industrial use lack architectural intervention and are unfit for the client’s specific program.The client wishes to implement the company’s identity in transforming the buildings into production and office spaces, presenting an architectural challenge where ‘heavy’ and ‘light’ uses coexist.To address this, our architectural intervention suggests a new industrial method: marrying contradicting functions through existing mass and spatial qualities – a pairing approach that breathes new life into the buildings.
This refined method of pairing architecture unites disparate functions from different aspects under one language – a clean design.The project reimagines the spatial quality in offices and the aesthetics of the primary production spaces through a simple, rustic, and ‘light’ approach.It incorporates the client’s company identity and seeks the potential of a refined design within industrial buildings.
The pairing occurs throughout the flow of the two buildings, within both their interior and exterior spaces.By using the existing mass and spatial qualities of the buildings, a barrier-free circulation is created to enhance the connection between the two.The outlook is paired to break rigidity through cohesive aesthetics, creating a design language that reflects the company’s identity.This project pairs the contradicting nature of its functions, connecting the ‘heavy’ production with the ‘light’ office through architectural interventions.The design celebrates industrial architecture by selectively exposing elements, elevating its identity.Structural steel columns and beams are left visible to portray an impressive industrial construction.
The project also includes a significant emphasis on greenery, which is used to bridge the gap between the two buildings and soften the existing boundaries.This incorporation of greenery challenges the typical industrial environment, creating a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.The refined industrial architecture created stands out from its “peers” yet is paired with its context, harmonising with its surroundings.
As a result, the pairing has significantly enhanced the working environment for employees in the industrial sector by improving the quality of space.This was all achieved only within a fair and reasonable budgetary cost, without any excessive or costly approach, yet still successfully making an impact and realising the client’s expectations.Despite the site lacking any places of interest, the project created a pleasant and comfortable working environment that combines the two functions into one, allowing employees to work comfortably, even over extended periods.Additionally, this design also features a garden that provides a space to socialise and relax, giving the employees a brief respite from work.The incorporation of such features encourages engagement between the users and the building, further improving the overall experience for employees.
Through A&A, we are provided with an excellent approach to studying and exploring new possibilities for the industrial environment.The success of The Pairing serves as a testament that this refined pairing approach can be widely applied to industrial buildings of all scales in the future.We strongly believe that industrial buildings have an inherent beauty that can be elevated, regardless of their scale.
