Our Top 3 Favorite Adaptive Reuse Architecture Projects
Adaptive reuse architecture is more than just a trend: it’s a sustainable and innovative approach to preserving history while meeting modern needs. At GRECODECO, we specialize in transforming the interiors of historic structures into functional, contemporary spaces that pay homage to both the past and present.
In this blog, we’re sharing three of our favorite adaptive reuse projects: the eclectic Villa Inkognito in Oslo, the historic Plumpton Place in Sussex, and the iconic Gamle Deichmanske in Oslo. Each of these projects illustrate our dedication to preserving historical spaces and our commitment to crafting thoughtful interiors.
But first, a little about this form of architecture:
Adaptive Reuse Architecture: What Is It?
Adaptive reuse architecture is the process of taking a preexisting building and adapting it for a new usage. This is a great way to be more sustainable and preserve historic buildings rather than demolishing them. Not every building can qualify for adaptive reuse, but those that do allow the cultural and historic fabric of their location or neighborhood to remain intact, which is attractive to locals and visitors alike.
At GRECODECO, we specialize in designing adaptive reuse architecture projects. Our approach is extremely measured and meticulous. We work closely with the architectural team in charge of updating the bones of the structure and qualifying it for commercial or residential usage, partnering with them from the very beginning until the end of their process. This synergy enables us to provide input–and vice versa–to their plans for the interior architecture, ensuring it aligns with our vision for the interior design.
Next, let’s dive into our three favorite adaptive reuse architecture projects and how we approached the design process for each one!
1. Villa Inkognito Project
The Villa Inkognito in Oslo is a great example of adaptive reuse architecture. Originally built in the 1870s as a summer home, this four-story neoclassical house has been transformed into an intimate, luxurious boutique hotel. The hotel, situated up the slope from Oslo’s center, serves as a private complement to the grand Sommerro Hotel and is connected by a small footbridge.
Our goals for Villa Inkognito were multifaceted. We wanted to create a richly layered, intimate guest experience while restoring and accentuating the building’s original layout, paneling, and ornate plaster ceilings. We sourced antiques locally to celebrate Oslo’s history and curated a unique feel for each room (which included eleven guest rooms and suites as well as a music room, library, bar, dining room, and open kitchen).
Special features at Villa Inkognito include custom-designed wallpaper inspired by late 19th-century Japanese art and lamps from Hadeland Glassverk, a renowned Norwegian glass-blowing company. We also restored a decorative tiled heater with oyster motifs and gilt accents, and while it isn’t functional, it adds unique historic charm to one of the suites. By paying close attention to the design eras the building went through, and working closely with the hotel’s owner to develop an updated vision for the space, we created an eclectic melange of styles designed to welcome, rejuvenate, and inspire its guests.
2. Plumpton Place
Plumpton Place, another favorite adaptive reuse project of ours, is a Grade II listed manor house located in Sussex. Originally built in 1568 on the site of an earlier house mentioned in the Domesday Book, it was later renovated and extended by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens with landscaping by Gertrude Jekyll. (A quick aside: Sir Edwin Lutyens was a famous architect who designed, among many other things, the bank-headquarters-turned-hotel now called The Ned, which we had the pleasure of designing the interiors for.) Plumpton Place was the primary filming location of the 2019 film Carmilla, an adaptation of the 1871 novella of the same name by Sheridan Le Fanu.
Situated on a small island surrounded by a spring-fed moat, Plumpton Place has been sensitively restored using natural materials that reflect the surrounding landscape. Our team is working closely with the owner to transform the house into a series of unique living and performance spaces. This project involves collaboration with local artists and craftspeople to ensure that each space retains its historical character while serving its new needs.
3. Gamle Deichmanske
The Gamle Deichmanske project in Oslo is another prime example of our adaptive reuse expertise. Originally built in 1933 as the headquarters for the National Library of Norway, this hulking building, designed by architect Nils Reiersen, features a stripped-back but grand neoclassical style, known for its numerous staircases, columns, and arcades.
With the library having relocated, the building is being converted into a cultural center focused on photography. We are working closely with the owners, local architects Lundhagen, and interior architects Paulssen and Nilssen on the interiors of the food and beverage, event, and other amenity spaces. Our end goal is to retain the building’s historic essence while creating functional spaces for modern cultural events. By preserving the original architectural elements and incorporating updated design features, we–and our collaborators–are working to ensure that Gamle Deichmanske remains a significant cultural landmark in the city of Oslo.
Art Deco Style at Villa Inkognito
One of our Oslo projects, the Villa Inkognito, perfectly illustrates our approach to Art Deco interior design. This 19th-century residence-turned-hotel features a mixture of Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Classical Norwegian styles to create a wildly imagined, richly embellished space for hotel guests. Each of the 11 different rooms and suites contains a variety of different color palettes and many bespoke pieces from ornately carved bedframes to tasseled drapery and more. Art Deco elements are evident in the Deco-inspired wallpaper we designed, gilded fixtures in the bathrooms, and luxurious accent lighting throughout the hotel. This project exemplifies how we use Art Deco to create richly embellished, imaginative spaces for our clients.
Learn More About GRECODECO
Founded by Adam Greco in 2017, GRECODECO is a Manhattan-based firm that designs thoughtfully layered commercial and residential spaces worldwide. Our passionate team of designers specializes in research-heavy historic projects that capture and celebrate the essence of various iconic time periods, guiding guests through an elegant and emotional journey of the senses.
Interested in learning more about how GRECODECO can craft interior design that honors and beautifully accentuates adaptive reuse architecture? Please don’t hesitate to inquire with us.