Engine House – Ashbourne
Introduction
Nestled within the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, this project has emerged as one of the most interesting projects we have worked on, particularly from a historical perspective.
Situated within the confines of a national park, the scope for development beyond the main town and village is understandably limited. This constraint is well-founded, as it ensures the preservation and safeguarding of natural surroundings from being compromised or diluted by new construction. Undertakings of this nature demand a substantial level of expertise, prompting us to engage a diverse array of professionals—heritage consultants, ecologists, and highway consultants, among others. Their involvement is pivotal in substantiating the viability of any proposed design while addressing the intricacies of the proposal.
History
This derelict structure formed a part of the expansive Woodeaves Cotton Mill complex, nestled beside a free flowing brook. Situated within the broader Peak District, this mill stood as one among numerous mill buildings in the area.
Locally recognized as ‘The Engine House,’ indicating the structure’s past function as a housing unit for an engine that once propelled the operations of the former mill. This marked our starting point for the conceptual design, directing our initial research focus. Undertakings of this nature inherently demand a comprehensive understanding of the site’s history, its context, and the building’s intrinsic attributes to create a scheme that is both relevant and justified. Delving into online historical resources and archives of the Derbyshire historic record library became paramount in uncovering invaluable insights that would lay the groundwork for our design. Amidst these troves of information, some proved highly instrumental, while others, such as the discovery of a 3000-year-old canoe on the brook’s banks, held a more peripheral relevance.
Our task entailed unearthing a vast array of documents linked to the Mill, spanning its ownership history and, in particular, the pivotal transformation from its origins as a water-powered facility harnessed by the brook to its later incarnation as a steam engine-driven mill. Among these records was a collection of invoices and receipts detailing the acquisition of a Boulton and Watt engine—originating from Birmingham, which gained prominence from the late 1700s to the 19th century. Notably, a similar engine stands as a testament to innovation within the British Science Museum in London, this being a groundbreaking invention of the industrial transformation, which played a pivotal role in redefining the dynamics of powering industry during its era. This rich history kindled a unique prospect for us, in incorporating this rich historical narrative into our design.
Concept
The images presented are part of our planning submission, illustrating the intricacies of our design vision. Notably, our homage to the storied Boulton And Watt steam engine heritage as a means of adding volume to the side of the formal office building. The extension along the side boldly consist of an exposed steel framework, at a height of 9.5 meters – mirroring the stature of the once-potent steam engine. Complementing this towering framework is an artfully arched ‘brick end’ wall, a deliberate and reverent nod to the bygone era of brick-built Engine Houses.
This approach affords us the unique advantage of maintaining a distinction between the remaining Mill complex and our contemporary 21st-century addition.
This scheme went through an extensive pre-application process with the local council planning officers. Throughout this process, it became evident that a contemporary approach was needed if a submission was to be successful. Unfortunately, despite our resolute commitment to a research-driven approach, a consensus with the planning officers could not be reached, resulting in the application being refused.
We were in a similar situation that we found ourselves in with our Grade 2 listed Quarn Lodge project. Simon Foote Architects believed that we had produced a good scheme and was justified. Following the submission of an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, the appeal was successfully allowed, resulting in the project’s approval in early 2023.
Work on site will start in spring 2024.
