The Water Tower
A leaking four-story former water tower may not be the first place that springs to mind when picturing bright, clean living quarters. But following a refurbishment in a small town in southern England, a land- mark Victorian-era brick tower is now a cozy retreat and “a special place to sit and unwind,” says owner Sheryl Wilson.”
. . . Dwell Magazine . . .
Project Info
- Location: New Forest, Hampshire
- Cost: £250,000
- Designation: AONB, National Park, Conservation Area
- Collaborators: Rice Projects
- Image Credit: Nigel Rigden & Sandra Van Aalst
Awards
2019 ArchDaily: Building of the Year Awards, Shortlisted
2017 RIBA South Regional Awards, Shortlisted
Environmental Data
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Energy Efficiency
1 2
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Insulation
1 2
-
Thermal Mass
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-
Airtightness
1 2
-
Solar PV
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Heating/Hot Water
-
Solar Thermal
Yes No
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Rain Water Harvest
Yes No
- Ventilation
-
Energy Storage
Yes No
“Please create for me a bathroom at the top of the tower that is worth climbing three flights of stairs for.” Was our brief from owner Sheryl Wilson
Our light touch approach first involved removing internal linings, sanding back the original stained oak floors and stairs and replacing the rotten windows. Conceptually, we threaded a ribbon of sculptural metal interventions from the base of the tower upwards. Starting with a new front door, this metal ribbon becomes a new projecting bay window at first floor which forms a window seat internally and offers a stunning view across the paddock – a special place to relax with a book.
On the second floor the huge bespoke metal windows flood the space with light from three sides and you become immersed in near 360º views of the New Forest. A sinuous spiralling metal staircase celebrates the final climb to the top floor bathroom, where a sumptuous copper bath provides the ultimate retreat where Sheryl and her guests can unwind under the stars.
We believe that quality architecture adds value, both emotional and financial. Our architecture enhances your sense of well-being, the value of which is difficult to quantify in monetary terms. Our design skill, knowledge and tenacity also add financial value as the benefit of realising quality design increases the value of a site and maximises your investment.
We believe that beauty is measurable and that even the most constrained project or site can be beautiful. Often, embracing constraints is a catalyst for inspirational resolutions. We respectfully celebrate the ‘question’, which has resulted in our reputation for bringing success to challenging and complex sites and project briefs.
The reimagined tower exerts something of a restorative effect on its owners. “We probably spend more time outside than in, with our horses, but when we’re looking to unwind, it’s a lovely place,” Sheryl says. “I didn’t think it warranted being turned into something ‘chi-chi.’ It’s a classic example of ‘less is more.”
. . . Dwell Magazine . . .
“I didn’t think it warranted being turned into something ‘chi-chi.’ It’s a classic example of ‘less is more.”
. . . Sheryl Wilson . . .
