The expansion of the Mecalit Production Complex in Kuklen, Plovdiv Region, is a project by IPA - Architecture and more, completed in 2018. The new building adds 3,824.87 sq m to the existing 5,754 sq m of production area and includes a single-story manufacturing hall with a loading and unloading zone and a three-story administrative wing. The project was developed so that construction and commissioning of the new spaces could proceed without interrupting operations at the existing facility.
The main objective of the architectural design was to expand and modernize the complex without major intervention in the existing buildings and infrastructure. This required careful planning of the connections between the existing and new parts, as well as a phased organization of the construction activities.
The new extension consists of a single-story manufacturing area with a loading and unloading zone and a three-story administrative wing. The detailed plan allows the new workspaces and infrastructure to be constructed and commissioned without interrupting the manufacturing process. The project forms part of the IPA - Architecture and more portfolio of manufacturing facilities.
Mecalit manufactures components for household appliances for international companies in the sector. With the expansion of the complex, the company also introduced a new activity: the production of plastic components for the automotive industry. The new facility is designed around the requirements of the manufacturing process, which includes cold metalworking and product assembly. The manufacturing hall has a large internal volume that allows the introduction of new technologies and production solutions.
The new building is attached to the existing facility. A direct connection between the new manufacturing and administrative areas is provided at ground level, while an additional connection between them is created by a staircase at the second level.
One of the project's defining technical features is the efficient recovery and reuse of waste heat. IPA - Architecture and more developed a dedicated system for reusing secondary energy sources, allowing heat to be distributed throughout the building. To maximize its use, the system is connected to the underfloor heating in the administrative areas and to air heating units in the manufacturing and warehouse spaces. This solution complements the experience of IPA - Architecture and more in the integrated design of industrial buildings.
