From former steel factories to ex-candy warehouses, we’ve rounded up a selection of the most inspiring industrial conversions from across the globe. Bursting with architectural wow-factor, these spectacular transformations show that with a little creativity, former factories can become breathtaking homes for modern living. Click or scroll on and prepare to be amazed...
*Prices in US dollars and British pounds
Recently on the market for £975,000 ($1.2m), this London loft is part of Colina House, once a factory where Rest Cartwright & Son manufactured church organs from the late-Victorian period up until the 1960s. While the building was reconfigured first into a collection of artists’ studios in the 1980s, and ultimately into three residential homes, echoes of its musical manufacturing past can still be found in its architectural detail.
Of course, given the size of a traditional church organ, warehouses needed substantial proportions to accommodate the finished product, and this three-bed, two-bath flat boasts 1,691 square feet of living space, occupying the entire first floor of the building. Original oak floors, exposed brickwork, cast iron pillars and raw concrete moulding all dating the building’s construction in 1897 can be found throughout the flat, enhancing its industrial aesthetic.
The main living area has been left entirely open-plan and includes a kitchen, dining room and lounge. Steel-framed windows offer plenty of light, as do the original full-height hoist doors, which now open out onto a quiet mews. More contemporary highlights of the space include a wood-burning stove and cinema screen in the living area, plus stainless-steel appliances and worktops in the kitchen.
The main bedroom is situated at the far end of the flat and includes its own adjoining dressing room and ensuite. The two additional bedrooms are configured in a similar fashion and one of them features the original loading doors used to transport church organ ranks. Another cleverly retained feature, the building’s original lift shaft is still in use, now serving as a utility room and storage area just off the main living room.
The loft also includes a well-proportioned family bathroom which, along with the bedrooms, are the only partitioned spaces in the unit. The floorplan of the apartment has been left intentionally open, primed for reconfiguration by future owners.
From the outside, it might be hard to guess what this building used to be. Well, Open Practice Architecture breathed new life into what was once a Victorian gin distillery in East London. When architect Rupert Scott and his wife Leo Wood purchased the property, it was a “rat-infested box”. The construction team got to work and gutted the inside of the building, erecting a new steel frame to support the structure.
For architect Rupert, one of the key design challenges was getting enough light into the gloomy, industrial space. On the ground floor, double-glazed Crittall windows have been installed to flood the interiors with light. This window style was chosen to honour the building’s historic heritage and create a clear break between old and new sections of the building.
A rooflight has been positioned above the seating area to channel sunshine down into the space, while a woodburning stove has been installed to create a cosy focal point. The concrete panels behind the stove serve to emphasise the double-height ceilings in this part of the building and are one of Rupert and Leo’s favourite architectural details. The stylish interior scheme was developed by Leo’s company, Kinder Design.
Throughout the downstairs, polished concrete floors establish a contemporary aesthetic, warmed by underfloor heating in the winter months. The steel beams between the living area and kitchen-diner have been left exposed, dividing the open-plan layout into distinct living zones.
Throughout the property, exposed timber ceilings have been fitted to infuse a sense of warmth and character into the contemporary, industrial-style space. The bedroom features glazing on two sides, looking out onto enclosed outdoor areas that were designed to flood the interior with light.
This chic Berlin apartment inside a former hat factory is the pinnacle of industrial elegance. With barrel-vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork and steel girders galore, the space is a sleek, contemporary celebration of its 1903 commercial origins. The cosy 4th floor loft offers one bedroom and two bathrooms and is currently on the market for €898,000, which equates to £789,000 ($976k).
The open-plan living and dining area is sandwiched in between dramatic dark oak flooring and an exposed brick ceiling, but bright white walls and the height of the nearly 10-foot ceilings combine to create the illusion of spaciousness. Visible vestiges of the flat’s factory roots can be found in the occasional concrete column or exposed beam, as well as the clinker wall, which serves as a stylish focal point.
In the kitchen, the white walls flow seamlessly into minimalist, Scandi-style white cabinetry, a simple white splashback and stainless steel fixtures. However, more homages to the building’s industrial past can be found in the sleek, modern light fixtures, which hang over the dining table and in the floating partitions, which divide the space, preserving the impression of the original factory halls.
With just 970 square feet of living space, the flat relies heavily on the three large windows in the combined sitting and dining area to draw light into its interiors, as well as to provide spectacular sunset views in the evenings. The steel-framed windows are bookended by two brick columns and the combined effect creates an elegant, industrial-style focal point for the living room.
Small but stylish, the bedroom makes the most of the exposed brick wall, letting it serve as a natural headboard. Another floating partition provides a degree of privacy from the rest of the flat, while ensuring that the bedroom still benefits from the light in the living room. The property also offers a balcony, which overlooks a manicured inner courtyard.
Positioned in Lilyfield, a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, this converted home has an unassuming exterior, but don't be fooled. Step inside and you'll find a stunning residence, packed with natural light, space and quirky architectural features. Dating back to the 1920s, there's nothing old-fashioned about this inspiring home...
The property was once the warehouse of the Oh Boy Candy Company and was converted into a home in 2013 by the acclaimed architect, Virginia Kerridge. The awe-inspiring three-storey home has an interesting layout, with the bedrooms on the ground floor and the main living spaces on the first floor. The building’s bones take centre stage and every room is decorated with stunning original features, including towering vaulted ceilings, exposed structural steel and brickwork.
Inside, you'll find a huge kitchen, a home office, dining room and living room, as well as an entertainment room, edible garden and a triple garage. Powered by solar, the home is eco-friendly, while there are plenty of reclaimed materials inside too, including timber from a 400-year-old ship. On the walls, the architects chose to use plywood instead of plaster since it's more sustainable.
The master suite can be found on the second floor, offering enviable views from the private balcony. As well as characterful details and endless living spaces, the home is also kitted out with unbelievable extras. From its 500-bottle wine cellar to its internal garden and suspended, rotating fireplace, this pad is overflowing with personality.
Head to the roof and things get even better. There's a spectacular terrace, complete with an outdoor kitchen, dining space, sunbathing deck and swimming pool. Of course, such a luxurious home deserves a VIP buyer. Australian television personality Cherie Barber bought the property from comedian and radio presenter Merrick Watts, breaking the suburb's previous sales record. The house sold for AUD$6 million, which equates to around £3.4 million ($4.2m).
Thanks to its grey brick exterior and saw-tooth roof, this industrial building in Sydney bears all the characteristics of a busy, working factory. However, step inside and you might just be surprised. Behind the unassuming door hides a chic and modern home, brimming with classy architectural details.
The 2,927-square-foot building was converted to residential use by SQ Projects back in 2015, with steel frame windows offering a reminder of the building's industrial history. It previously went up for auction with BresicWhitney, and sold for an eye-watering AUD$4.2 million, that's around £2.3 million ($3m).
The company's innovative fusion of original details with modern design earned the firm a prestigious Master Builder’s Award for the project. In the open-plan living space, a galleried walkway looks down onto the voluminous double-height living space, which is bathed in light thanks to the broad swathes of glazing.
A span of bifold doors glides back to provide access to the walled courtyard garden and outdoor terrace. Bare concrete floors give way to a timber deck outside, creating a clear distinction between the two zones.
Even in the snug, sandblasted brick walls and exposed timber rafters have been retained and lovingly restored. Stylish leather sofas and tripod lighting add a cool contemporary twist to the interior.
Architect Pravin Muthiah of Coupdeville Architects developed the design for this stunning conversion scheme in central London. Originally a hops processing warehouse, this 1800s building has been transformed into three modern flats, with accommodation spread across 3,765 square feet. A visible part of this historic street, it was important to preserve the period charm of the Victorian structure.
Oozing character and texture, a key part of Coupdeville’s design brief was to preserve the former factory’s historic allure. In this kitchen, an exposed brick chimney breast and timber ceiling rafters are reminders of the home's past, with appliances inset into wood-clad units.
As part of the conversion, floors, windows, stairs, doors and panelling were all recycled to add warmth and rustic charm to the unique property. Reclaimed joists were removed from the warehouse and reinstated as bespoke doors, with some of the wood even used to form a new kitchen island.
Coupdeville Architects gained planning permission to extend two floors to the rear of the property and add a storey on top with a new roof terrace. Inside, the factory’s large volumes of space were retained to create an open, airy floorplan.
The rooftop terrace with stunning views across central London is perhaps one of the property’s main draws. There’s even a jacuzzi for homeowners to relax in as they soak up the magnificent urban vistas.
Situated in New York’s West Chelsea Arts District, this impressive factory-turned-residence comes with an intriguing history. It was once home to Broadway set designer John H Young, who created backdrops for the latest theatre shows in the early 20th century. With a history of housing creatives, the warehouse was most recently the home of fashion firm Lopez Knudsen.
Featuring 34-foot-high beamed ceilings, the cavernous room at the core of the property is perhaps the residence’s most dramatic feature. Patina brick walls hark back to the building’s industrial heyday, while roof lanterns overhead draw light deep into the heart of the interiors. For a quirky, personal touch, the kitchen cabinets have been crafted from salvaged wine barrels.
The property went onto the market with Christie’s International Real Estate for £15 million ($18.5m) in 2019. Along with the expansive living spaces, there's also a ground-floor studio with stylish concrete floors that could be let as a separate apartment or kept as a guest annexe.
This impressive Manhattan property isn’t lacking when it comes to floor space, with accommodation spread over an impressive floorplan of 6,400 square feet. However, according to current zoning laws, there is potential to extend the warehouse further, opening up an additional 6,000-12,000 square feet.
Perched atop Brussels’ Magnéto Belge electromagnetic plant, this spectacular penthouse apartment is a feast for the eyes. Originally built in 1919, the factory was redeveloped in an Art Deco style in 1942 after it was devastated by a fire. It was converted into apartments and offices in 2001. The penthouse flat underwent a dramatic overhaul in 2017 under the creative direction of Jerome Lescrenier, founder of Demo Design.
The newly re-vamped interiors offer a masterclass in merging industrial aesthetics with chic, contemporary design. Concrete trusses, exposed metal pipework and arched ceilings are just a few of the apartment’s inspiring architectural details.
Clocking in at a roomy 2,690 square foot, the penthouse went on the market with Brussels Sotheby’s International Realty in 2017 for €1.5 million, which is approximately £1.2 million ($1.5m). Accommodation is spread over two levels, with the capacious open-plan living area set on the upper level. The master bedroom is also positioned on this floor of the property, with three additional bedrooms on the level below.
The vaulted open-plan living area on the upper storey of the penthouse leads out onto a private outdoor terrace. Measuring 2,153 square feet, this spacious outdoor zone features far-reaching views of the city and a nearby park.
Nestled in the suburbs of Paris, this former warehouse went up for sale in 2017 with Propriétés Parisiennes for the guide price of €2.5 million, that's £2.2 million ($2.7m). Previously an artist's studio, accommodation is set across two levels and features a mezzanine floor, giving the property an airy gallery-like feel.
A stunning mezzanine guest bedroom overlooks the double-height living area in this gorgeous Parisian warehouse conversion. Featuring impressive 17-foot-high ceilings, this chic apartment is a showcase in balancing period charm with modern stylish décor.
The master bedroom is done out in a crisp white palette, softened by a warming Persian rug. Beams in the vaulted ceiling have been painted white, however, the juxtaposition of angles adds a quirky, architectural detail to the scheme.
The pared-back décor continues throughout the apartment, though the modern minimalist approach is balanced out with warm timber flooring and the rustic finish of an exposed structural beam.
Situated close to the heart of Melbourne’s trendy Nicholson Village, a stunning new home has been created within the shell of this former steel factory. Built by residential developer Neometro, the revamped building features a sun-soaked entrance courtyard tucked behind the original brick façade of the building.
To the rear of the building, metallic cladding offers a nod to the building’s former life. Bifold doors open out from the large dining area into the walled garden, which provides a quiet oasis from urban life. Extensive planting adds a tropical vibe to the outdoor zone and helps soften the harder edges of the industrial structure.
Changes in ceiling height help to differentiate spaces within the open-plan ground floor. Above the living area, a double-height void creates real wow-factor and enhances the sense of spaciousness. Polished hardwood flooring adds warmth and character to the neutral scheme.
Luxurious finishes have been used in the contemporary kitchen, with sleek metallic surfaces forming a contrast to the warmer tone of the hardwood floors. The stylish breakfast bar forms the main hub of the space, accessorised with overhead pendants that provide task lighting for food prep.
Upstairs in the master bedroom, custom-made storage solutions utilise the space's unique proportions. The sculptural arched ceiling makes a dramatic statement, while swathes of windows have been incorporated to ensure the room feels bright and airy. It's hard to believe this sleek, stylish home was once a steel factory.
Known as Wotton Works, this expansive 12,689-square-foot building in northwest London was once an aircraft factory belonging to the British aerospace manufacturer Handley Page, famous for building the Halifax bomber during WWII for the British Royal Air Force. However, the property has since been remodelled into a breathtaking live-work home by architects Caireen O’Hagan and Corrine Quinnfor, the current owners, who bought the building back in 2018.
Wotton Works’ living quarters are comprised of a 5,800-square-foot, two-storey flat, which features pitched wooden ceilings, two outdoor terraces and plenty of natural light. The space offers a contemporary, open-plan layout, which maximises the building’s extensive square footage but still offers enough cosy nooks to make it feel homey. The apartment also partly wraps around and overlooks a lush internal courtyard.
The flat’s interior is sleek and modern in appearance, with new Crittall windows, clay wall finishes, and poured resin and sustainably sourced oak flooring throughout. Its features are equally modern, with kitchen elements designed by Bulthaup and Alpes Inox, Gaggenau appliances, a smokeless indoor grill, infrared wall heating panels and underfloor heating throughout the home.
The large central courtyard boasts a stunning living wall, which provides three storeys of flowing vertical green space visible from both the apartment and the communal-style office. The atrium also offers plenty of parking and provides a more formal entry into the open workspace, which occupies the ground floor of the building.
The ground floor office offers 7,000 square feet of versatile and flexible workspace and is ideally suited for a small business or start-up. With plenty of natural light, a kitchen area and a dynamic, open-plan layout, the space is highly contemporary and is currently being rented for staging fashion photography shoots. Interested? Wotton Works is up for grabs for a cool £2.5 million ($3.1m) with Dutch & Dutch.
From the outside, this former commercial building might appear small and uninspiring, but just wait until you step inside. The once redundant warehouse has been majestically transformed into a laneway house unlike any other. Located in North Melbourne, Australia, the property's once edgy interior is now a Balinese-inspired sanctuary. Let's take a look...
The property was bought in 2015 by restaurateur couple Sway Quach and Dougal Colam, who are behind two of Melbourne's trendiest restaurants, Tom Phat and Bhang. They snapped up the laneway pad when it was the "worst house on the best street", undertaking a complete overhaul to turn the former commercial space into an enchanting family home.
Inspired by Asian architecture and interior design, the home is now overflowing with chic artwork and natural materials. Every room boasts beautiful original features, including vaulted timber ceilings, brick walls and clerestory windows. Light, airy and free-flowing, the interior benefits from an open-plan living room, dining space and kitchen.
There are two bathrooms and three bedrooms, each with its own balcony. The home is kitted out with high-tech extras too, including a cross-flow ventilation system, which encourages natural airflow through the building. Discreet storage and a secure garage add to the home's luxurious finish.
Many of the living spaces seamlessly flow out to the courtyard garden, where you'll find an entertaining patio. The small but stylish backyard is finished with handmade seating and plenty of greenery, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of one of Australia's most bustling cities. The restauranters parted with the residence for AUD$2.6 million (£1.5m or $1.8m) in 2021, we presume making a tidy profit in return for their hard work.
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