Transforming Industrial Sheds into Modern Design Spaces
We do not just build factories. We breathe life into industrial structures, turning aging sheds into light-filled, climate-responsive workspaces that feel as human as they are functional.
We believe in the power of adaptive reuse. For this Automobile Design Studio, we transformed five old industrial sheds into a modern workspace using a minimal palette of metal, concrete, and light, honoring the site's industrial heritage while creating a space for innovation.
The main hall of the Automobile Design Studio is a vast, open space designed for showcasing and working on full-scale vehicle models. We retained the industrial feel with exposed ductwork and a high, skylit ceiling, while a sculptural concrete spiral staircase adds a touch of crafted elegance.
At the Synergy Textiles Factory in Karur, we used vaulted terracotta block ceilings to create a highly insulating roof. This passive cooling strategy, combined with ample natural light, provides a comfortable working environment for employees, which led to a 100% increase in productivity.
The collaborative spaces in the Automobile Design Studio are designed to inspire. A long gallery wall with warm wood paneling displays automotive sketches and renders, creating a space for informal reviews and discussions that is steeped in the language of design.
The exterior of the Automobile Design Studio features a massive glass facade, allowing natural light to flood the interior workspaces. This transparency puts the creative process on display and connects the studio to the surrounding campus, including the original vehicle turntable.
The Synergy Textiles Factory was designed as a protective shell against the harsh Tamil Nadu climate. The facade features a long verandah with deep overhangs and operable wooden shutters, allowing for natural ventilation while shielding the interiors from the sun.
This video explains our design process for the first phase of the Automobile Design Studio. It shows how we converted the "strange rhythm" of existing industrial sheds into sunlit corridors and functional viewing spaces, using metal roofs and skylights to bathe the facility in daylight.
About this collection
For our industrial conversions, we prioritize what we call 'shell interventions'—carefully cutting into existing roofs or walls to introduce skylights and clerestory windows. This is not merely an aesthetic choice; it fundamentally alters the thermodynamics of the building. By introducing these light-wells, we often eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day and enhance natural cross-ventilation, significantly reducing energy dependency while transforming the mood of the work floor.
Architecture is often treated as a blank slate, but we find the greatest potential in what already exists. Industrial sites carry a 'strange rhythm'—the structural lines of a shed, the height of a warehouse, the history of its material. Our process of adaptive reuse honors this legacy while integrating the modern technology required for today's workflows.
The Industrial Orchestra
When we take on an industrial project, whether it is an automobile design studio or a textile factory, we start with the site's environmental potential. We look at the sun path to determine exactly where to place openings. We look at the local climate to decide where to add insulating vaulted ceilings or deep verandahs. This is an orchestra of decisions, from selecting the right metal for a screen to mapping the flow of people and materials.
Crafting for Human Comfort
We believe that industrial spaces should be as comfortable as they are efficient. At our Karur textile factory project, we used vaulted terracotta block ceilings to create a natural, insulating roof. This simple, traditional technique resulted in a measurable increase in worker comfort and productivity.
Similarly, in our automobile design studio work, we combined raw concrete and riveted steel with warm wood paneling. The objective is to strip away the harshness of a standard warehouse, replacing it with textures that touch the senses. We use CNC waterjet-cut metal screens to create rhythms of light and shadow, proving that industrial materials can be refined into something elegant. Whether it is a large-scale master plan or a single studio conversion, our goal is to design workspaces that invite conversation and encourage people to create freely.
SJK Architects
We see every industrial shell as an opportunity to rethink how we work. Our team works hands-on, from the factory floor to the architect's desk, ensuring the final space reflects your brand’s specific ambition while prioritizing the well-being of the people who work inside.
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