Amazing Transformations
July 9, 2017
Specialists in Conversions, Refurbishment, Extensions, New Builds, Design & Crystic Roof
Warehouse to shop conversions have been growing in popularity, as they are not only cost effective, but can offer an aesthetically contemporary edge. There are many unused industrial buildings available in places like London, due to the steady decline in manufacturing over the years. One such conversion in the east of London involved transforming a derelict eyesore, into a trendy shopping destination. The converted space designed by award winning architects vPPR, contains shops and apartments, and has played a major part in injecting life and vibrancy into a part of Shoreditch.
The imposing brick building had to be reconfigured in order to accommodate a variety of fit for purpose, retail and residential spaces. Public and private façades exist on either side of the property in a unique configuration. The arrangement forms along two parallel streets, and exterior for the retail and a quieter interior for the residential, both coexisting comfortably.
The street facing shop front area consists of three units with large windows, topped by an impressive and eye-catching steel pattern running the length of the glazing. This attractive detail cleverly conceals ventilation units, and throws up echo’s of the building’s industrial history. A private courtyard planted with trees is accessible via a side entrance at the rear of the retail spaces.
Exposed brick and other industrial design details reflect the property’s heritage giving it a slick appearance. The architects state that they believe that mixed use schemes like this, are the key to success in dense urban landscapes like London. Thornwood Construction Ltd carry out conversions as part of their range of services. Converting warehouses into state of the art, functional retail premises from the basic foundation work to the final shop fit, is something they excel at. Take a look at the Loughton, Essex project on their website.