![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_hero_a-852x479.jpg)
FREAKS wraps French warehouse conversion in corrugated steel
Architecture studio FREAKS has clad an old printing warehouse in France shiny corrugated metal cladding and converted it into a research centre for lighting company Sammode.
Located in Lamotte-Beuvron close to Orléans, the converted offices combine highly controlled testing areas and well lit work spaces.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_19-852x479.jpg)
To achieve this, four wooden boxes clad with spruce house testing areas, spread across the warehouse like buildings-within-buildings.
These rooms are connected by a series of open spaces and corridors.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x479.jpg)
Closed-off rooms are designed to be airtight and light-proof to allow Sammode to test the resistance of their technical light fittings.
There are also zones for prototyping and assembling the lights.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x639.jpg)
The external walls of the timber boxes hold shelves and kitchen areas.
FREAKS also built large metal shelving units and wall-mounted grids, from which light fittings can be hung.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x479.jpg)
In the open spaces, meeting rooms are in three greenhouse-like structures with glass panels in black frames.
While the people inside can be seen by the colleagues, the acoustic properties of the glazing mean that conversations are kept private.
![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x639.jpg)
FREAKS left the steel supports of the existing warehouse exposed, along with ventilation ducts and electrical cables, to create an industrial-feeling space.
As well as keeping existing small openings in the existing structure, additional windows and skylights have been inserted to provide ample natural light inside.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x639.jpg)
Externally, the entirety of the former warehouse has been clad with corrugated steel panels.
FREAK used a mix solid panels and perforated panels, placed front of windows to allow light through and give views outside.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col.gif)
"The alternation of solid and perforated sheets allows a transparency that lets you guess volumes in the background," said the studio.
"This transparency allows a qualitative highlighting of the facade that refers to the activity of Sammode itself."
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_21-852x1136.jpg)
At one end of the building, the corrugated metal cladding continues and wraps around a garden space.
An area of decking has seating overlooked by a run of windows in the warehouse elevation.
![Sammode warehouse conversion by Freaks](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2019/11/freaks-architecture-sammode-warehouse-conversion-france-lighting-research-centre-photo-david-foessel_dezeen_2364_col_20-852x479.jpg)
From the roof protrudes a space housing a 5 metre-high photogoniometer, a device which is used to calculate light intensity.
Previous projects by FREAKS include a collaboration with Danish studio BIG for a new cultural centre in Bordeaux, and the refurbishment of an apartment in Paris centred around an arched storage unit.
Photography is by David Foessel.