Brooklyn waterfront’s new architectural gem: Shining example of adaptive reuse
by arslan_ahmed | January 25, 2024 1:39 pm
Brooklyn’s iconic waterfront has welcomed The Refinery at Domino, a historic 19th-century sugar factory transformed into a cutting-edge, 15-story, 42,735-m2 (460,000-sf) Class A office space. Developed by Two Trees Management, a real estate development firm, this architectural gem is the centerpiece of the 0.4-ha (11-acre) Domino Sugar Factory site.
Designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), The Refinery blends the charm of a landmarked building with the modern advantages of new construction. A unique 3.66-m (12-ft) gap between the new glass structure and the existing brick facade allows for standardized floor heights and houses a vertical garden—a biophilic office design by the landscape architect, Field Operations. Inside, the building retains features such as a 65.2-m (214-ft) tall chimney and repurposed sugar manufacturing machinery, showcased throughout Domino Park.
Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and up to 3,066-m2 (33,000-sf) floor plates, The Refinery offers world-class amenities, including a 2,508-m2 (27,000-sf) glass dome penthouse with 360-degree views. The building features a triple-height atrium lobby, a bicycle lobby, and 5,574-m2 (60,000-sf) of retail space.
What sets The Refinery apart is its commitment to sustainability. As an adaptive reuse project, it has transformed from a gas-burning manufacturing plant into one of the most environmentally responsible office buildings in NYC. Powered by all-electric equipment, it boasts net-zero carbon emissions and a private water reuse system, reducing stress on city infrastructure.
The Domino Sugar Factory site’s rich history, dating back to 1884, adds to the project’s significance.
Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/brooklyn-waterfronts-new-architectural-gem-shining-example-of-adaptive-reuse/