Microbreweries are becoming increasingly popular across the country, offering beer lovers a dizzying array of new flavors and varieties from around the world. Thanks to their relatively low overhead and limited building design requirements, microbreweries are popping up in abandoned firehouses, old warehouses, and any other space with open floor plans and high ceilings. With the help of a skilled commercial architect, almost any building can make a great microbrewery.

Making Your Building Into a Microbrewery

The Brewing Room

The brewery is the heart of the business, so start there. Even if you’re starting off small, the equipment you need is tall, so you need enough space for the brew houses, tanks, and pipes. An open floor plan is also essential, but you can knock out some walls if you get a deal on a space that’s been divided into rooms. Keep in mind that you need enough space to work with the equipment, as well as a storage area for finished products.

The Tasting Room

Almost every modern microbrewery has a bar, tasting room, or retail storefront, so this is where you can let your branding shine. Many brewers go for a cozy, rustic feel in their decorating and building design, or you might prefer a bar with a regional or period theme. Whatever your preference, carefully consider the traffic flow to make sure your customers are comfortable and have easy access to the bar, and make space for entertainment options, such as a game table. Microbreweries are more than a place to drink great beer; they’re also a place for fun.