Noble Hops: 8 Retrofitted Brewery Projects

Between long studio nights and harsh critiques, it’s no wonder that some architects cultivate an affinity for beers, wines and spirits. Beyond their role as a palatable refreshment and social lubricant, alcoholic drinks and their production share many parallels with architecture. Centering around ideas of human experience, craft and terroir, the two respective activities involve a rich understanding of process and place. This holds especially true for breweries and wineries, where the connections between space and community are forged within pragmatic, industrial settings.

Breweries typically require a generous amount of room to accommodate beer production and storage. While these buildings are usually tall with open-floor plans, they also link to readily accessible loading docks through a maze of carefully organized equipment. Housed within reclaimed buildings, warehouses and new constructions alike, breweries hold a distinctive place in the life of their surrounding fabrics.

The following collection explores brewery projects that were given a second life. Retrofitting new programs and functions, the designs include striking additions that change the perception of existing structures and their formal qualities. With new areas for gathering, relaxing and living, the projects illustrate how architects can creatively reimagine the experience of these noble spaces.

SoundCloud Headquarters by KINZO, Mitte, Berlin, Germany

Created as the new headquarters for the online platform SoundCloud, this project included the redesign and renovation of an old brewery building next to the former Berlin Wall. Designed to work as an incubator space for start-ups, the layout was made to accommodate future company growth and expansion.

The Source by Dynia Architects, Denver, Colo., United States

The Source was designed as a renovated foundry project with café, brewery and food production space. Sited within an industrial district in Denver, the development combines the original building’s brick walls and overhead trusses with new exposed framing that can be raised and lowered.

Bang Brewingby Alchemy Architects, Saint Paul, Minn., United States

Housing the first entirely organic brewery in the Midwest, the Bang Brewing project is housed inside a prefabricated grain bin. The design includes a material palette featuring polished concrete floors, salvaged wood and a silvery interior.

Koehler Mixed-Use Complex by Sprinkle & Co. Architects, San Antonio, Tex., United States

The Koehler complex was designed as part of the Pearl Brewery redevelopment in San Antonio. The mixed-use building was made with room for dining, offices and retail. Located next to the San Antonio River, the project was also built with an underground 500-car parking garage.

Matilda Bay Brewers’ Canteen by Di Mase Architects, Port Melbourne, Australia

The Matilda Bay Brewers’ Canteen was built inside a working Melbourne factory. Building off the existing brewery materials, including bricks, timber and stainless steel, the design densified the structure and its components within the vastness of the factory. The new space was made with steel drums, cool-room paneling and a timber work bench.

De Mouterij by VBMarchitecten and Bogdan & Van Broeck Architects, Brouwersstraat, Leuven, Belgium

De Mouterij was created within a former brewery-maltery in Leuven. Separated into distinct zones, the project was made to maintain privacy while maximizing natural light. Overlooking the river Dijle, the design features patio spaces that are adapted to their surrounding conditions.

Sugarhouse Close by Oberlanders Architects LLP, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Located within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site in the Old Town, Sugarhouse Close was made to house 300 students. Retaining many historic structures, the new development opened up connections between the brewery fabric, Arthur’s Seat and The Royal Mile. Made with red brick masonry, timber cladding and slate roofs, the low-rise units were created to complement the existing building stock.

Octapharma Brewery by Joliark, Stockholm, Sweden

The Octapharma Brewery project is located in western Kungsholmen. Combining factory space with laboratories and offices, the design takes the space of a former brewery and transforms it into administrative areas for Octapharma’s Nordic headquarters.