Gunpowder Mill / Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects

Architects: Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects
Location: Waltham Abbey, UK
Main Contractor: Hill Partnerships
Structural Engineer: Cornerstone Consulting Engineers
Quantity Surveyor: Tower Surveys
Landscape Architect: Clarke Associates
Project Year: 2009
Photographs: Dennis Gilbert

The Gunpowder Mill scheme involves the sensitive conversion of historic but derelict buildings and the addition of a new modern element on a site surrounded by woods and parkland.

In the 18th century, the Royal Gunpowder Mills housed the largest gunpowder works in Britain, and it remained a centre for the production of and research into explosives until 1991.

Two early 20th century buildings, the Power House and the Water Tower, have been converted to form a new headquarters office for the client, while remaining faithful to the industrial history of the site. A new three-storey glazed structure completes the office complex and incorporates a top-floor terrace which links all three buildings and gives magnificent views out over the adjacent water meadows.