Malik Architecture has reimagined a historic site in Mumbai's Ballard Estate as IF.BE (Ice Factory Ballard Estate).

Formerly the Ambico Ice Factory, the 140-year-old structures have been restored around a large Banyan tree growing in the courtyard.

The aged buildings, not to mention the Banyan roots growing within them, demanded that the restoration take a meticulous, hands-on approach.

Age-worn plaster was scraped from the factory walls to reveal the brickwork while vintage Burma teak woodwork was resurfaced gradually. The original gantry, once used for ice movement, remains as a partition and art element.

IF.BE's multi-use space now caters to art, exhibitions, events, performances, food and design.

This project has been shortlisted in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Malik Architecture
Project: IF.BE (Ice Factory Ballard Estate)
Credits: Studio Trace, GES, EMPH- MEP, ACME- MEP, Axis Facades, TRG International, Mascon, Insteel