12/03/2026
Every industrial building design and layout has its own advantages, depending on the operational needs of each company.
In most factories, the building layout is usually quite similar, the office is located at the front, while the production or warehouse area is located at the back, typically with a higher ceiling height to accommodate machinery or storage.
As shown in Figure 1, this is the layout we commonly see in many factories, where the office is positioned at the front and production takes place at the back.
However, Figure 2 illustrates a slightly different concept, known as a multi-level industrial building, where the warehouse, operational area, and office spaces are distributed across different floors with relatively similar floor sizes.
Recently, I have noticed several new industrial projects adopting this multi-level industrial building concept. Buildings designed in this way offer companies greater flexibility to organise their operations within a single premise. For example:
• Ground floor – production / operations
• 1st floor – warehouse / storage
• Upper floor – office / management
From my observation, this type of layout can also provide flexibility for companies that require larger office space. If the company is not involved in manufacturing activities, the ground floor can be used as a warehouse, while the upper floors can be converted into office spaces, meeting rooms, or even a training hall.
Factory buildings designed in this way are not only suitable for manufacturing activities, but can also function as corporate offices, training centres, or operational hubs.
Nur Faliqah
Industrial Real Estate
Remarks : Image for reference only.
