Since the turn of the millennium, the former Plange Mühle industrial site in Media Harbour has undergone a remarkable transformation. Following the restoration of the historic wooden silo, ingenhoven associates has now sensitively converted ten remaining grain silos from 1929, preserving their architectural heritage. Housed within these monumental exposed concrete structures are the new practice rooms of Radiologie Düsseldorf, directed by Dr Nils A. Krämer. Interior architect Claudia de Bruyn, principal of the Ratingen-based firm two_space, has crafted a sophisticated spatial sequence within the striking cylindrical architecture—one perfectly suited to the demands of modern radiology.

"Our interior design strategy centered on echoing the original geometry—the 2 x 5 axial arrangement of cylindrical silos—throughout every level," de Bruyn explains. "We sought to weave the building's industrial past with contemporary practice, creating layers of meaning in the design." The approach began by splitting the hollow silo tubes lengthwise and hollowing them out, establishing a central spatial axis flanked by open silos on either side. The rough-cast concrete walls were painted white—a deliberate choice that preserves the textural qualities of the material while introducing a sense of freshness. Free-standing circular wall segments complete these cut-open cylindrical spaces, upholstered in Pinatex, a sustainable material derived from compressed pineapple fibers. Their silvery coating lends a futuristic quality that subtly references the practice's cutting-edge 3-Tesla MRI and CT scanning technology. Oversized glass doors bridge the concrete walls and wall segments, inviting visitors to move fluidly through the spaces. The expressive slatted ceiling in the corridor establishes dynamic visual rhythm without concealing the raw ceiling's intricate technical infrastructure. As patients enter, the ceiling shifts to a calming blue tone—evoking serenity and trust while gesturing toward the nearby Rhine. Upon departure, it glows yellow, evoking the wheat once stored here and signaling optimism and vitality. These cylindrical spaces naturally draw focus inward, fostering concentration and presence. Floor materials reinforce spatial hierarchy and intimacy: the public corridor features polished screed, while the meeting areas showcase radially laid oak parquet for a more refined, residential character. Round carpets amplify this intimacy through material warmth and a color gradient transitioning from yellow to white. Substantial circular-segment tables converge toward the room's center, creating an environment of focused, attentive conversation.

www.two-space.com
www.radiologie-duesseldorf.de

Photography Credits:

Peter Kalte Speetproduction
ingenhoven associates / HGEsch

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf, Issue 04|22)