Metamorphosis for iconic former Philips Building TY

Construction news September 9 - Cobouw

The iconic Building TY in Eindhoven, also known as the Glass Cathedral, will soon undergo a major transformation. This building is part of Strijp-T, the former Philips site with an area of over 25 hectares. "The property is being developed for one, at most two parties from the high-tech manufacturing industry," says Boudie Hoogedeure of the Strijp-T Development Team.

Building TY was taken into use by Philips in 1956 as a pilot factory and glass laboratory. Together with the adjacent Building TZ, it formed the development center for glass for many years. In this pilot factory, glass was pressed, blown, or drawn and produced on a factory scale by machines. The pilot factory consists of two floors, with the ground floor housing the workshop, storage and mixing room, canteen, cloakroom, and toilets. The first floor contained the melting lab, drawing benches, and offices.

Custom glass laboratory

Hoogedeure: "The glass laboratory, with its high ceilings and glass facade, is waiting for an ambitious company. We will transform the building according to specific rental and user requirements. The finishing work will start as soon as a concrete candidate emerges. This involves customization. The building consists of an East and West side that a company can rent separately or as a whole."

Bert Dirrix from diederendirrix architects from Eindhoven is closely involved in the design of the transformation of the striking building. He was already familiar with the facade, but once inside, he was amazed by the amount of space and light. "Naturally, you want to preserve the original spaces and the unique structure of this historic building, as well as the traces from the past, such as the beautiful floor. This way, the rich story of Philips remains alive. We want the exterior to tell the same story as the interior. Therefore, we will ensure that the facade offers as much insight as possible into the activities on the work floor. The glass laboratory - one of the highlights of Strijp-T - will receive the crown it deserves."

Industrial and new construction comfortStrijp-T consists of industrial heritage and appropriate new construction, according to Hoogedeure. It concerns striking, post-war buildings such as the power plant with two recognizable chimneys. "These buildings have been renovated with respect for the authentic atmosphere and architecture. The appearance of the past is combined with the quality and comfort of today."

"The building - with a large rooftop terrace - is being transformed with respect for its architectural past, incorporating the modern comfort of new construction. According to Hoogedeure, this will result in a building that serves as an impressive 'business card' for the company that will be housed here in the future."

According to Hoogedeure, doing business at Strijp-T is energy-efficient, sustainable, authentic, safe, and comfortable. This former Philips site is currently developing as a sustainable high-end business park for companies that have moved beyond the start-up phase and are ready for the next step.

The transformation works of Building TY will take one and a half to two years to complete.

Article on Cobouw