KAS 3

The alteration and renovation of this existing factory building in Alexandria is for the head offices of a home textiles company. It opens the front of the building up to the street, reorganises the internal spaces so that its imposing industrial proportions can be fully appreciated and carves out a new sunny garden courtyard. Essentially two separate buildings, the front portion houses the reception and a cafe, while at first floor level there is a showroom which is naturally lit on all sides with dappled light. Conversely, at night, the same walling system allows light to emanate from the building, creating a beacon for the company. In the rear warehouse section, the offices have been organised over two storeys along the southern flank of the building. They are separated from the retail by a long dividing wall of storage that is broken up with openings. These openings visually connect the different building functions, bring in natural light and allow the offices to naturally cross-ventilate. Located between the two sections, the courtyard draws natural light deep into the centre and at the same time aids natural ventilation of the entire building.