Gouda Cheese Warehouse ?De Producent? in Gouda, the international famous Dutch Cheese Capital, experienced a spectacular transformation to residential lofts. Mei architects and planners together with White House Development initiated this successful development. In the heart of the building, a spacious atrium is created, enclosed by 52 unique and sophisticated loft homes. Because of the innovative re-use of elements from the old cheese warehouse, like the original cheese boards, you can still experience the 100-year-old history of making cheese.

Dark alley transformed into a light atrium
The original Gouda Cheese warehouse of ?De Producent? is a national monument. Therefore the main changes in the transformation to loft homes are only visible once you enter the building. The removal of pieces of the floor and facades on both sides of the original ventilation alley and the addition of a glass roof creates a royal atrium that brings light into the building. Parts of the original alley facade have remained up and running as hoistway. The residents are able to reach their apartment on one of the four floors through two glass elevators which go up and down along the historical facades while experiencing the building to the fullest. Photography: Ossip Van Duivenbode
Meaningful Re-use
For this transformation, Mei saved as many elements as possible from the former Gouda Cheese warehouse to give them a second life in the new construction. The shelves, where cheese ripened for over...