Gunpowder Mill
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Gunpowder Mill panoramic
Dennis Gilbert (website) Download Original
Conversion and refurbishment of derelict industrial buildings, with the addition of a contemporary extension to create a modern company headquarters
Fundamental to the design approach was retaining the special atmosphere and balance between built form and the natural landscape, while expanding and improving the quality of the accommodation.
The RGM Trust archives were made available for research and yielde
ld drawings and photographs of the Engine House interior and machinery. These were inspiration for the key concept of preserving this space in its original proportions as the central focus for the new scheme. This meant creating additional space in the adjacent double bay Boiler House by reducing the foundation level and inserting two new floors.
Reclaimed brick, natural slate and timber are some of the traditional materials used in the refurbishment. All new steelwork is exposed in a gesture to the simple detailing of the original industrial buildings. New and old steel is denoted throughout the building in two different shades of colour.
Data
- Begun: Jan 2008
- Completed: Jun 2009
- Floor area: 3,529m2
- Sector: Office
- Total cost: £4M
- Funding: Private
- Tender date: Aug 2006
- Procurement: PPC2000 contract
- Address: The Power House, Gunpowder Mill, Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1BN, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Pollard Thomas Edwards architects
- Client: Hill Partnership
- Structural engineer: Cornerstone
- Landscape architect: Clarke Associates