Rebirth: A Warehouse Transformed into an Office Space

Shih Chieh Kao's Innovative Design Breathes New Life into an Old Warehouse

The inspiration for Rebirth came from the designer's desire to maintain the building's original ambiance while infusing it with new life. The walls were dismantled to expose the underlying brick and concrete structure, and the space was filled with iron pieces, old items, dried flowers, and plants, creating an atmosphere of boundless vitality. The design even allows for plants to grow in the seams of the walls, symbolizing a return to nature and the concept of rebirth.

What sets Rebirth apart from other designs is its innovative approach to dealing with the building's original challenges, such as wall mold due to years of exposure to orographical rain. By removing the interior walls and leaving the brick and concrete exposed, the design allows for better ventilation and moisture control. The use of glass and iron pieces, which can be easily removed, recycled, and reused, minimizes pollution.

The realization of Rebirth involved the use of glass and iron pieces to create a visually extended space. Track lights were exposed by dismantling the ceiling molding, and a large wooden table was casually placed against the preserved red brick walls. The space is filled with antique furniture and old items, creating a vintage style that contrasts with the modern design elements.

The design also includes an interactive element. Glass replaces partitions to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, sparking curiosity among passersby. A corridor with irregular wood pattern tiles connects different areas in the space, and a materials exhibition area is planned next to the window. This experimental space allows the owner to imagine the future house's details and feelings through colors and textures.

The project, which started in September 2018 and was completed in March 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan, required careful research and planning. The designer had to balance the visual beauty of the space while maintaining its basic structure, without making it look old and shabby. The result is a design that successfully merges the old and the new, giving a new life to the old warehouse.