YELO HOUSE

YELO House is one of Atelier of Architects’ most meaningful explorations into adaptive reuse and creative urban culture. What began as a long-abandoned steel warehouse along the San Saeb Canal transformed into a vibrant, multi-purpose creative hub—an architectural intervention that preserved the spirit of the old structure while opening it to entirely new possibilities. For more than two decades, the warehouse had stood unused, its purpose unknown. Upon entering for the first time, the design team discovered a lightweight steel frame volume with direct canal frontage—a rare urban condition that immediately inspired a vision for openness, community, and artistic experimentation. Rather than imposing a new identity, Atelier of Architects chose to retain the original structure, exposing its industrial bones and allowing its raw character to serve as the foundation for a new creative life. YELO House was conceived as an open platform: part gallery, part café, part event space, part studio. The plan allows the interior to operate as one continuous volume or to break into smaller zones depending on the activity—exhibitions, performances, workshops, pop-up markets, or film shoots. Large sliding doors, high ceilings, raw finishes, and the flow of natural light create a flexible atmosphere that supports both curated programs and spontaneous creative encounters. Its connection to the San Saeb Canal is a defining feature. Terraces and openings were designed to bring the waterway into visual and spatial dialogue with the interior, turning the canal—once overlooked—into an active part of the experience. This approach reflects Atelier of Architects’ belief in locality, context, and urban re-engagement, where forgotten spaces are revived with new purpose. YELO House became not just a building, but a cultural moment: a gathering place for artists, photographers, designers, and the public; a venue where architecture acts as a catalyst for creativity. It stands as a testament to the studio’s philosophy of transforming constraints into opportunities, and of giving new life to spaces by embracing authenticity, adaptability, and the creative energy of the city.