In Bremen, Germany, a set of 1970s grain silos once used by cereal giant Kellogg’s has been transformed into the John & Will Silo Hotel. The dramatic conversion, led by Vienna-based Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA), is part of the large-scale regeneration of Überseestadt, one of Europe’s most ambitious urban renewal projects.
Located on the Überseeinsel peninsula, with the River Weser on one side and Bremen’s city center nearby, the project turns industrial history into a new cultural and civic icon.
The original concrete silos, which once held up to 5,000 tons of grain, now contain 117 guest rooms. Each room features a circular or semi-circular layout, echoing the shape of the silos themselves. DMAA carved slim vertical windows through 16-centimeter-thick concrete walls, allowing natural light to enter and framing narrow views of the river. These minimal openings keep the silos’ massive appearance intact while bringing a subtle cinematic quality to the interiors.
The bright red Kellogg’s logo still sits atop the tallest silo, linking the new hotel to its industrial heritage. Nearby, a former vitamin storage building has been repurposed into five levels of office and conference space. A rooftop pavilion has also been added, offering an event venue with sweeping views.
By preserving the silhouette and identity of the original site, while weaving in modern uses, the John & Will Silo Hotel highlights how industrial landmarks can be creatively adapted for the future.
