Mei architects and planners is working on yet another interesting transformation project commissioned by OPEN Development: The former factory for ready-to-wear clothing in the Rotterdam neighbourhood Middelland will be repurposed with loft-like apartments. In 1920, the Confectiefabriek from the Groosjohan brothers moved into the corner house at the Aleidisstraat and Jan van Avennesstraat. Now, almost a century later, there is little left of the original allure of this characteristic building. The verticality has largely disappeared and many characteristic details are missing.
The transformation proposal by Mei plans to firstly renovate the outer façade. The original brick facade and flagpole above the majestic entrance will be restored. The windows and window-frames will retain their original colours, and vertical glazing bars will be added to the top windows.
To improve the transition of the building into public space, the implementation of greenery and front doors at street level will soothe the ground level junction. The hole in the street façade at the spot of the alley at the Jan van Avennestraat will be filled up with a new building volume.
The new program will consist of ca. 25 residential spaces with an average size of 85 square meters. These accommodations will have loft-like qualities with big windows, plenty of daylight, and a significant floor height. On the roof, a number of loft-apartments with green roof-patios will be added. To enter the dwellings, the original and characteristic stairwell can be re-used.
The old factory will present a strong stimulus to the neighbourhood, both in its program offerings as well as in its expression.