Open Practice Architecture breathed new life into this former 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.

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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.

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, modern home, brimming with classy architectural details.

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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 went up for auction with Bresic Whitney earlier this year, with an eye-watering guide price of £2.1 million ($2.7m).

Architect Pravin Muthiah of Coupdeville Architects developed the design for this stunning central London conversion scheme. 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.

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The property went onto the market with Christie’s International Real Estate for £14.3 million ($18.5m) earlier this year. 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. 

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A stone's throw from Milan's bustling centre, this converted warehouse home has an unassuming exterior, but don't be fooled. Step inside and you'll find a stunning residence, packed with quirky architectural features.

Set amid the plethora of charming boutiques in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, this trendy loft apartment started life as a brick warehouse. Since then it's had a new lease of life and its voluminous spaces now house ultra-chic living accommodation.

While the ceilings in the open-plan main room have been white-washed, the original beams have been left exposed, creating an eye-catching design feature. Light floods into the spacious zone via glazing on both sides of the building for an airy, calming living space.

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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.

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 decor.

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Architect Ricardo Bofill discovered this disused cement factory in 1973. The colossal industrial complex comprised more than 30 silos, cavernous machine rooms and a network of underground corridors and rooms. Renovation work lasted more than two years, at which point the building became the headquarters for Bofill's architecture firm, Taller de Arquitectura. 

Work at the factory is still ongoing and evolving, as Bofill does not ever see the project as being fully completed. Today, the former factory encompasses the headquarters of Bofill’s firm, a residence, studio, model workshop and archive rooms. There’s also an enormous space known as “The Cathedral” which is used to host exhibitions, concerts and cultural events.

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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.

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!

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