Garage Loft Delfshaven by Kumiki: Authentic Industrial Loft Living in Rotterdam

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Delfshaven, Rotterdam, the Garage Loft designed by Kumiki Architects is a stunning example of architectural transformation and adaptive reuse. This project breathes new life into a former neighborhood garage, creating a spacious, authentic, and future-proof residential loft that celebrates its industrial heritage while embracing modern living.

Preserving Industrial Character with a Modern Twist

Rotterdam, known as a city with a strong automotive history, was once dotted with numerous neighborhood garages serving its urban car culture. However, with city council initiatives focused on reducing cars in the city center, many garages have been left vacant and underutilized. The Garage Loft Delfshaven seizes this opportunity to repurpose such a space, maintaining its original character rather than covering it up.

Kumiki’s design philosophy prioritized keeping the garage’s raw industrial elements — exposed concrete, sandblasted surfaces revealing the beautiful wood grain of the formwork, and visible piping — intact and celebrated. This approach ensures that the loft retains an honest, unpolished aesthetic that fits perfectly within its "tough" urban context, surrounded by historic buildings, working-class homes, maritime schools, and bustling harbors.

Spacious, Light-Filled Loft with Flexible Use

The 313-square-meter space spans two levels: a street-level floor and a basement. To make the basement livable, the architects introduced innovative features to bring daylight and ventilation deep into the lower level. A front void floods the basement with natural light, while a rear patio provides fresh air and an outdoor connection, essential for comfortable living.

Inside, the loft’s open floor plan emphasizes fluidity and multifunctionality. The basement includes a pantry and versatile spaces that can serve as a home office, guest accommodation, or even a separate apartment for friends or family. This adaptability adds a layer of future-proofing to the design — ensuring it meets changing lifestyle needs.

Warmth Amidst Concrete: Natural Materials and Unique Details

To soften the loft’s industrial concrete shell, Kumiki introduced rounded shapes and warm natural materials throughout the interior. A standout feature is the cylindrical wooden shower, thoughtfully detached from walls and ceiling to allow light to pass freely, creating a glowing focal point. The wooden cladding adds warmth and tactility, contrasting beautifully with the loft’s concrete and steel framework.

The kitchen island, positioned between two structural concrete columns, acts as the heart of the home. Clad in deep blue tiles, it grounds the open space with color and texture while providing a functional gathering spot. Nearby, a wall of glass bricks allows light to filter into the center of the loft, enhanced by strategically placed light points, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Seamless Connectivity and Spatial Flow

The loft’s layout encourages flow and connectivity between spaces. An industrial spiral staircase and a steel walkway link the basement and street level, offering dynamic circulation while maintaining the building’s industrial vibe. The design also incorporates a striking large blue closet extending into the basement, reinforcing the sense of scale and cohesiveness throughout the loft.

Location and Context: A Loft That Belongs

Delfshaven’s gritty urban fabric and rich maritime heritage provide a fitting backdrop for this project. Kumiki’s Garage Loft not only preserves the physical traces of the site’s past but also honors the social and cultural narratives embedded in the neighborhood. By embracing the existing concrete structure and highlighting local craftsmanship, the project creates a dialogue between history, architecture, and community.

All the photographs are works of MWA Hart Nibbrig