This traditional mill house has undergone a complete renovation, sensitively designed to respect its history and heritage. A modern steel and glass extension connects the house to the river and gardens, while an outbuilding was also restored to provide a light-filled studio for the client, a contemporary art sculptor.
Sustainability is key to the project, which includes a green roof to the extension and solar panels to provide heat to the house and a studio outbuilding.
Project Type
Conservation
Contemporary
Sustainable
Extension
Location
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Project Team
Local Authority
Wiltshire
The contemporary style of the extension contrasts with the traditional mill building, with large floating corner glazing opening up to bring the outdoors in and reflecting the surrounding garden.
The client would like to take full advantage of the mill’s unique position on the river by installing a hydropower system fuelled by the fast flowing water. Solar panels linked with battery storage and an air source heat pump provide additional energy, reducing the need to rely on the national grid.
The site's riverside location meant attention had to be paid to the ecological impact of the renovations, protecting the bird and aquatic life, including otters and voles. As part of the planning consent, Wiltshire Council also requested an construction management plan to protect the river.
The roof over the mill room was carefully repaired to enable the first floor space to be turned into a bedroom. The original timber structure remains visible from inside the building, with a new, highly insulated roof built over the top that is finished with the old natural clay roof tiles, ensuring no changes can be seen externally.
The works include the conversion of a garden building into an artist’s studio by removing the attic floor to create an expansive vaulted space. The large steel-framed gable allows natural light into the space and opens up onto a courtyard designed as an external workshop space for the client.
The old mill room was incorporated into the house to form an entertainment space with a stunning centre piece - a glass channel set into the floor to view the river rushing beneath. Large, glazed doors slide back to allow the sights and sounds of the river in through the mill archway.
The extension is further enhanced by a wildflower green roof containing a broad mix of native British wildflowers to encourage biodiversity. This system helps mitigate flooding by improving the SUDs capacity of the roof.
The River Avon flows past the front of the house, which has also been totally restored with a new porch and dormer windows.
Original features have been retained wherever possible, such as timber roof beams and doors alongside the traditional red bricks.
The new extension links directly with the kitchen, combining cooking, dining, and living areas in a layout that works perfectly for everyday family life. The wood burner in the corner provides additional warmth.
Full glazing to the gable end floods the studio, once an old outbuilding, with light.
All Insights
View Project
Mulberry Farm, Dorset
Read More
How Can I Retrofit My House To Improve Its Sustainability?
Read More
Planted Sustainable Design Festival
Contact Us
