← Nik Nak Cottage← Nik Nak Cottage

Nik Nak Cottage was the first step in the wider regeneration of Florentia Village and served as a pilot project to test how the site’s industrial heritage could be reimagined for a new generation of makers. The existing 7,000 sq ft warehouse was in poor condition, with asbestos, leaks and years of low-quality alterations. The goal was to reveal its character and make it fit for contemporary use through careful repair and selective, high-impact interventions.

We began by removing rather than adding. Internal partitions and plasterboard were stripped away to expose brickwork and structure. Later mezzanine infills were opened up, and the steel truss was adapted to create usable space with better head height and daylight. These changes turned a dark storage area into a generous double-height studio filled with natural light.

A “fabric first” approach guided every decision. The existing frame was repaired and upgraded with new roof glazing, insulation, and efficient lighting. Resin and lino floors provide durability and warmth, while exposed materials reduce waste and maintenance. The result is a building that feels honest, robust, and adaptable.

Externally, bold colour and new graphics, created with DNCO, give the building a distinctive identity and signal its new life within Florentia Village.

Nik Nak Cottage is now a self-contained, flexible workspace with a welcoming and versatile character. The project shows how small, well-judged moves can deliver real transformation, proving that with care and creativity, even a neglected warehouse can become an inspiring place to work.