HER Rehabilitation of Tobacco Factory into Leather Manufacture by TRACKS

The rehabilitation of the historic Tobacco Factory in Riom into a state-of-the-art leather manufacturing facility marks a significant milestone in the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage. Originally built in 1877, the Tobacco Factory is located just 400 meters from the town’s train station, positioned between the railway tracks to the east and residential neighborhoods on its other sides. Comprising around twenty distinct buildings, the site has been a landmark of local industry for over a century.

In 2004, the building’s envelope and roof were listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments, recognizing their architectural and cultural value. This designation guided the design approach: any intervention had to respect and preserve the existing structure while transforming it into a fully operational contemporary leather workshop. The architectural team at TRACKS embraced this challenge with the guiding principle of “destroy as little as possible, build as little as possible.”

Respecting Heritage While Introducing Functionality

Unlike the group’s usual single-story workshops, the constraints of the existing structure required a multi-level manufacturing layout. This vertical organization optimizes workflow while respecting the building’s original proportions. The design subtly integrates new functional elements without overpowering the historic framework, ensuring that the site’s industrial character remains visible and celebrated.

Key to the transformation was the preservation of the building’s envelope and roof, with strategic interventions to enhance light, accessibility, and ventilation. Unsightly later additions—such as bulky freight elevators and intrusive rooftop exhausts—were carefully removed to restore the architectural clarity of the original volume.

Natural Light and Spatial Connection

To bring daylight deep into the manufacturing spaces, the architects replaced some roof sections with skylights and introduced an open patio at the heart of the workshops. These additions not only reduce reliance on artificial lighting but also create a more pleasant and productive work environment. The factory’s attic space, featuring a remarkable curved concrete framework, was reimagined as a functional workspace illuminated by skylights integrated into the sloping roof.

Connectivity between the site’s separate structures was improved with a fully glazed footbridge linking the first floors of two main buildings. This element serves both practical and symbolic purposes—facilitating workflow while acting as a contemporary architectural statement that contrasts lightly against the preserved masonry.

Materials and Sustainability

The rehabilitation prioritized low-carbon and bio-based materials, such as wooden structures and hemp insulation, which align with traditional construction methods while reducing environmental impact. The building’s natural ventilation strategy further minimizes energy consumption, enhancing thermal comfort without mechanical systems.

By repurposing the existing factory rather than constructing a new facility, the project achieved substantial carbon footprint reduction—a significant factor in sustainable architecture. This adaptive reuse not only extends the life of the historic structure but also supports the continuity of local craftsmanship traditions.

Landscape Integration

The landscaping project was conceived as a green setting for the new manufacturing hub. Local plant species were selected to ensure ecological resilience, and rainwater retention systems were incorporated to manage runoff sustainably. This outdoor environment complements the factory’s renewed function, softening its industrial edges and creating a more harmonious relationship with the surrounding residential areas.

Industrial Heritage Reimagined

This project stands as a model of industrial heritage revitalization, where history and modern production needs intersect seamlessly. The architectural intervention is deliberately discreet—celebrating the building’s original craftsmanship while enabling new forms of making to thrive within its walls. Every design choice, from the careful restoration of the roof trusses to the understated integration of modern amenities, reflects a deep respect for the site’s legacy.

The HER Leather Manufacture now operates as a vibrant center of artisanal excellence, contributing to Riom’s local economy while preserving the city’s industrial identity. The rhythmic façade, historical masonry, and expressive roofscape remain familiar to the community, yet the interior hums with renewed life—proving that adaptive reuse can both honor the past and meet the demands of the future.

Through its sensitive approach, the project embodies the ethos that sustainable architecture is not only about new technologies but also about intelligent preservation. By keeping as much of the original structure as possible, integrating eco-friendly upgrades, and enhancing natural light and ventilation, TRACKS has crafted a building that is as environmentally responsible as it is culturally significant.

Photography: Guillaume Amat