The client bought the site at auction where it already benefitted from a positive pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority. However, the scheme presented was domestic in nature and attempted to convert the building into a conventional double-fronted house – rather than explore a response to the building’s heritage and industrial past. At interview the client was taken by our approach to preserve the drama of the existing volume and create a functional yet distinctive family home that retained the space, volume, and character of the hard edged industrial building.

Early on in the design process we looked at how the three storey volume could be retained, whilst also providing more intimate spaces necessary for everyday family living. This was achieved through a triple height atrium in the entrance hallway, with the staircase climbing up to connect each newly inserted floor level. It also gave an opportunity to retain the lifting crane as a feature within it – providing every visitor with a complete understanding of the building’s former use upon entering. The top floor is partly set within the pitched roof void with access carefully designed around existing steel trusses.

A new single storey extension was permitted at the rear of the building with a roof terrace above, enabling direct access to the outside from the two main bedrooms.  A new-build garage was also constructed with visitors’ accommodation above, which enabled the client’s wider family to stay close by when visiting from overseas.

The success of the scheme relied on retaining and expressing the existing materials of the pumphouse. These were a local red brick set inside a painted steel lifting crane structure and new steel framed windows to match the original single glazed panes of the pumphouse. Internally the fabric of the building needed to be insulated and the steel frame preserved to prevent it corroding. The completed interior contains elements of brickwork on the ground floor that echo the brick interior of the original building.

The completed conversion ensures that a former industrial building with local heritage value has been preserved and brought into a new and sustainable use – one that continues to tell the story of the building’s history and previous occupation. The client is delighted with their new and innovative home, located in a woodland setting that provides plenty of space for children and dogs to explore and contemporary spaces to retreat into for relaxation and reflection.

The Former Pumping Station was designed by Ian Blake whilst at Sutton Griffin Architects.