absence from island and studio etain ho have transformed this old factory unit in hong kong into a small pitch for a soccer-loving client. searching for a place to play soccer with friends, the client purchased this 5,382 ft2 (500 m2) unit in an old industrial building. with the help of the design team, the empty space has been turned into a small soccer field, accompanied by showers, bathrooms, as well as a multi-purpose club amenity room.

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

images courtesy of absence from island + studio etain ho

 

 

the design adopts a dark, moody atmosphere with lights highlighting the ceiling and the peripheral meshes. the ceiling lights are more distinct and eye-catching while the surrounding lights are more diffused and atmospheric. the ceiling is painted black and is highlighted with LED strip lights forming vault-like structures within each ceiling void. the gently arched strip light aims to lift the perceived height of each ceiling void and to compensate for the low headroom created by the deep structural beams. the lights also help draw attention above the soft black mesh which is crucial in protecting the sprinkler, AC, and audio systems.

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the vault-like, ceiling LED strips lift the perceived height of each ceiling void and to compensate for the low headroom created by the deep beams

 

 

strong stainless steel metal meshes have to be provided along the surroundings in order to protect the windows and the audience sitting in the corridor. along the audience side, there is a double-layered metal mesh wall where wall-washer lights are put in between to light it up. along the window side of the court, a single layer of metal mesh is positioned against a stainless steel reflective metal panel. wall-washer lights are placed in between to help light up the mesh and be reflected by the black stainless steel panel.

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the ceiling lights are more distinct and eye-catching while the surrounding lights are more diffused and atmospheric

 

 

there is a goal on each of the shorter sides of the court and the surrounding LED strip will light up whenever a ball hits them. the bathroom also adopts the same strategy with black stone chosen as the wall finish to provide a dark aesthetic with diffused LED lights coming from the feature mirror cabinet. unlike the soccer pitch, where it feels cool and industrial, the bathroom aims for a warmer and more luxurious feeling.

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

there is a goal on each of the shorter sides of the court and the surrounding LED strip will light up whenever a football hits the goal

 

 

lastly, there is a club amenity room that includes a small pantry and a large TV for enjoying soccer matches. people can also enjoy the match on the pitch through the glass partition. in order to make the club amenity room more comfortable and cozy for users, wooden elements and spotlights with warmer colors have been adopted. the project aims to showcase a good example of the revitalization of old industrial buildings in hong kong. it also serves as a special place for the client and his friends to exercise and socialize. 

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

with the ceiling strip lights being off, the wall-washers along the peripheral meshes provide a completely different atmosphere

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

corridor space with benches for spectators, lit by spotlights

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

black reflective stainless steel panels help bounce back the light

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the bathroom adopts a general dark atmosphere as well, with diffused light coming from the back of the mirror cabinet

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the club amenity room which includes a small pantry and a large TV for enjoying soccer matches

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

spectators can watch the match through the glass partition on the left

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the exterior of the old industrial building where the mini-pitch is housed

absence from island + studio etain ho turn a factory unit into a soccer pitch designboom

the old factory unit before the renovation

 

 

project info:

 

project name: mini-football cathedral

location: hong kong

architecture firms: absence from island + studio etain ho

project team: tang chi chun, chen lok yan, ho siu ting etain

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom