Socota Phoenicia

Phoenix, Mauritius

Architects: NoCoffee Architects

An almost derelict textile factory in Mauritius, the clients came to us with a brief to create a high quality refurbishment preserving the integrity of the existing factory but adapted for contemporary use. We developed the concept of creating a new multifunctional commercial and living center fully integrated and sustainable with the introduction of colour to the existing white factory with finely-crafted and industrial additions or ‘plugs’ inserted representing the transformation of the old factory. The main entrances are marked by triple-height red perforated metal screened glass boxes lined with mesh. Coloured frameless glass boxes float over the double-height atrium space to create a dramatic and contemporary spine linking to the future commercial center. The interior spaces are designed to create an ‘industrial loft’ aesthetic with double-height spaces to maximize natural light and ventilation and reduce solar gain with automatically controlled vertical louvers provide shade to the offices thereby reducing the requirement for mechanical ventilation in the tropical climate. The large factory roof is to be converted into a roof garden providing facilities such as cafes and recreation areas as well as containing a more than 1MegaWatt solar farm.