The Meelfabriek complex consists of industrial building types from different periods: brick-shell, concrete frame, steel frame, mushroom column, solid plate structures and numerous honeycomb clusters of silo shafts in various sizes. Which parts of this impressive collection should be preserved? Which parts can be removed or changed in order to give room for new life to come?

There is beauty and strength in the physical structure of the industrial buildings which were designed to carry heavy loads. Therefore we propose to preserve and respect the structural integrity of all the industrial building types of the complex. After their redevelopment, the structural anatomy of each building from the elegant steel frames to the forest of concrete columns and the batteries of cathedral-like silo spaces will remain visible and play an important role in their new architectural expression. They will give each building a strong identity. Old industrial power as a background for contemporary life.

Except for the oldest building of the complex, the “Ketelhuis” which is made from load bearing brick walls where facade and structure are identical, all other buildings will get a new skin, a custom made facade. This is because the barely heated non-insulated old industrial spaces were enclosed by delicate facades with single-pane windows which are extremely difficult to keep.

The new facades will emphasize and highlight the old structures and add contemporary comfort with transparency, translucency and elegance.