Structures built for storing bulk materials called silos were basically used to store grains, coal, and cement. They were generally cylindrical structures usually 30-250 ft tall made of either wood staves, concrete staves, steel plates or caste concrete.
Once, they were used to hold grain, missiles, and even sewage. The following five silos, however, were transformed into incredibly creative and adaptive reusable projects, transcending their utilitarian identities to give us modern high-rise apartments, unusual restaurants, ecofriendly homes and bed-and-breakfast joints all over the world.
1. MVRDV Gemini Residence, Copenhagen
Covering a total area of 9800 square metres Gemini residence is located in Havnestad, harbor town, a new urban district in Copenhagen. This 42 metre high and 25 meter wide silo was completed in the year 2005. This wonderful residence was built by architects Jorgensen and Wolhfeldts under the contract of NCC Constructions. There were two old silos before it got converted into these fantastic new residences.
It has a lobby area which is nearly of the same height as the building making it a freeway for the residents and guests to pass through. The silo cores are covered by glass roofs to allow the natural sunlight to play around and through. The silos are even connected to each other on each floor and the windows and terrace overlook the mesmerizing views of Copenhagen’s countryside and harbor.
2. Monte Silo House, Woodland, Utah
Formerly a linked corrugated metal grain silos it’s now transformed into a home for a single person. It is located in Woodland, Utah. This silo was transformed into this extraordinary house with unique features by Gigaplex architects. It is made by covering an area of 1800 square feet. The southern side of the house is open to allow a lot of natural light and heat and has an electric mesh installed to the lower floor making it a very warm and cosy place for winters. There are arrangements to protect the house form the summer heat with metal shades.
3. Wheat Silo Apartments, Bunbury, Australia
Located in Bunbury, in western Australia these apartments used to be silos for storing wheat which were built in the 1930s and are listed as one of the Heritages in Australia. But now they stand tall as an eight storey luxury residential building with its extraordinary and unique features.
It is situated right in the middle of Marlston harbour side and it has 6 apartments and each apartment has 3 bedrooms and bathrooms, a large living area with balconies and a lounge room. It is fully furnished with dining suite and commodities like microwave, dishwaser, LCDs etc. And to make the stay even more fruitful and lively it overlooks the astonishing city and beach view. There’s a hot swimming pool and spa and even BBQ’s facilities with the view of the koombana Bay.
4. Silo Converted to a Castle, Canada
When we think of Canada, castles aren’t exactly the first thing that comes to our mind. Even less common are castles which are made from old silos. This structure was found in the countryside in the Ontario region of Canada. Set amidst the snow slopes, it is an intriguing and marvelous place to stay which gives out the impression of being one of those centuries-old homestead.
5. Abbey Road Farm Bed and Breakfast, Oregon
This farm bought by the Stuarts, who wanted to give their vision a new dimension and worked hard to convince the country officials to transform the silos into such astonishing figure. The silos which are located in Yamhill county in Oregan made a perfect picture of a European countryside with a beautiful warm landscape. The Stuarts made a perfect farmland out of the 82 acre land which had formerly been a horse farm. They started mixed farming, occupying two acres of land with queen Anne cherries and 60 acres of the land was used in farming fescue grass seed and the rest was used for breeding goats from which they could have their own dairy products.
They transformed the outer silos into guest rooms and the barns into event centres. The house has the capacity to hold charity events. It also houses a commercial kitchen which is used in cooking for charity events. Inspite of all the change there are few things like the chicken coop and water treatment building for which silos haven’t lost their farmhouse looks and this is what that makes it so special.
