The former Saffre Frères textile factory in Oudenaarde, Belgium, dating from the late 19th century, has been skilfully converted into the new headquarters of Sharp Insurance Brokers. For this project, DnA Architects chose to retain the original industrial aesthetic, preserving the two-story brick façade and robust concrete internal structure. The design strategically uses a mix of natural and artificial lighting to highlight the robust materials throughout the space.
The renovation presented a unique opportunity to improve the integration of natural light. By demolishing an adjacent building, the rear façade was redesigned to incorporate extensive natural light. This thoughtful design choice not only illuminates the space, but also visually expands it. In addition, a small green plaza has been developed at the rear of the building, providing a pleasant view of the surrounding area. The transformation of the former connecting façade into the new main entrance has opened up the space, allowing light to enter and visitors to enjoy the public plaza.
Central to the lighting design is the dynamic interplay between general and task lighting. In the open plan offices, a flexible matrix profile layout is used, allowing the lighting to be adjusted to meet the changing needs of the workspace. For individual offices, more unique luminaires have been selected such as the Deltalight Soliscape, which combines functionality with aesthetics and even offers acoustic enhancement qualities. This careful consideration of lighting supports a productive environment and maintains the historic integrity of the building.
