New York City is a place of constant transformation. Since the late 18th century, when it became one of the world's largest ports, it has established itself as a hub of innovation, commerce, and cultural diversity, attracting immigrants from all over. The rapid industrialization of the 19th century spurred a proliferation of factories, warehouses, and working-class neighborhoods, like Brooklyn and the Lower East Side, which shaped the city's urban and economic growth.
However, beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, the city faced industrial decline, leading to job losses and a population exodus, resulting in abandoned buildings and increased crime. In the following decades, New York showed resilience, reinventing itself by blending the old with the new and driving a creative economy oriented toward sustainability. Today, the city stands out for harmonizing past and present through innovative initiatives, revitalizing historical buildings for new uses, and preserving urban identity while projecting a more sustainable future.
A notable example of this transformation is the Domino Sugar Factory, an industrial landmark in Brooklyn. This icon of the past, now revitalized, houses The Refinery at Domino, a state-of-the-art office complex that goes beyond mere physical restoration. Developed by Two Trees Management, the space reinterprets how people can work in locations with historical and cultural value, preserving architectural identity while incorporating sustainable technologies.
With a new 42-story tower, the project includes residential apartments offering views of the East River and Manhattan's skyline. It comprises both affordable and market-rate rental units, along with commercial, retail, and public spaces. The design stands out for its contemporary architectural approach, harmonizing glass and metal while blending seamlessly with the region's industrial and historical surroundings. The building prioritizes sustainability, with energy-efficient technologies and elevated gardens that offer green spaces and foster a healthier urban environment. The project integrates natural patterns, shapes, and colors to encourage a connection to nature, which research shows can help reduce stress and boost creativity. Additionally, it is one of New York's most eco-friendly office buildings, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.
Within this context, adapting the historic building to meet contemporary work environment needs was made possible through a partnership with JUUNOO, a leader in modular wall partitions and office pods that allow for easy installation, repositioning, and waste reduction—ideal for spaces requiring flexibility, like offices and commercial environments. This decision was rooted in a shared vision of preserving the building's legacy while introducing cutting-edge technology to create an inviting and adaptable workspace. JUUNOO designed custom modules, including partitions and meeting pods, that can be reconfigured as occupants' needs change, promoting both collaboration and privacy. These systems, which reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 94%, are assembled seven times faster than traditional methods, aligning with circular economy principles. Each pod was designed to meet modern requirements for acoustics, ventilation, and lighting, offering comfort and productivity, along with flexibility that allows for quick reconfigurations—minimizing material waste and the need for frequent renovations. This approach enables a dynamic environment where companies from various sectors can share collaborative, flexible spaces, adapting to future uses without compromising the historic building's preservation.
Chris Van de Voorde, JUUNOO's founder and CEO, celebrates the partnership: "Being chosen by Two Trees to contribute to this iconic, collaborative workspace validates our commitment to creating productive and sustainable workspaces. Our custom office pods optimize space utilization and enhance user experience, supporting the long-term vision of the Domino Sugar Factory transformation."
Combining preservationist architecture with cutting-edge technology, the project honors New York's industrial legacy while creating spaces that meet today's demands for work, living, and community. More than a restoration, the complex reflects the city's resilience, renewing its heritage, adapting to environmental demands, and reinventing itself for a new generation. The project incorporates and adapts essential elements to make it compatible with modern ways of living and working, integrating flexible, collaborative environments that foster interaction, comfort, and sustainability—tailored to the needs of an urban, multi-functional lifestyle.
Learn more about The Refinery at therefineryatdomino.com and explore JUUNOO's solutions at juunoo.com.
