THE BRIEF
Our brief was to transform The Factory, a collection of former storage warehouses for a tea plantation in Mityana, into a luxurious, hospitable hotel that redefines adaptive reuse. The client sought to convert this industrial relic into a biophilic architectural masterpiece, blending high-end hospitality with the site’s rugged, utilitarian past. Our firm was tasked with strategic direction, architecture, and interior design, ensuring the hotel offered a sophisticated guest experience while respecting the warehouses’ historical character. The challenge was to soften the industrial edge, introduce warmth, and create a seamless connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
THE INSPIRATION
Drawing from the raw, utilitarian aesthetic of the original warehouses and the lush, verdant tea plantations of Mityana, the design fuses industrial minimalism with organic, biophilic elements. The material palette—exposed concrete, weathered steel, reclaimed timber, and soft linens—pays homage to the site’s industrial roots while introducing tactile warmth. The concept of “growth through transformation” inspired the integration of greenery, with living walls and cascading plants softening the stark warehouse structure. The tea plantation’s heritage is reflected in subtle design cues, such as a muted green and ochre color scheme, evoking the rolling fields and earthy tones of the region. Strategic interventions, including expanded openings and skylights, flood the interiors with natural light, creating an airy, inviting atmosphere.
THE RESULT
The Factory Hotel Mityana emerges as a striking fusion of industrial grit and refined luxury. The adaptive reuse preserves the warehouses’ original concrete shells, with their robust forms now softened by lush greenery and warm, tactile interiors. Enlarged arched openings and strategically placed skylights bathe the spaces in natural light, while carefully designed louvers and cross-ventilation systems ensure passive thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling. A serene central pool, framed by a reclaimed timber deck, serves as the heart of the hotel, offering guests a tranquil oasis. The interiors, furnished with locally crafted pieces, celebrate Ugandan artistry and create a sense of place. Deep verandas and open-air lounges blur the boundaries between indoors and out, inviting guests to connect with the surrounding landscape. The Factory Hotel stands as a testament to thoughtful transformation, balancing heritage, luxury, and nature in a harmonious, unforgettable retreat.