Ham Mill: A Heritage-Led, Low-Carbon Riverside Community
The redevelopment of Ham Mill represents a unique opportunity to restore and revitalise a significant historic industrial site within the Thrupp Valley. The vision is to return the Grade II listed mill to its former glory by removing unsympathetic additions and reinstating its landmark role at the heart of a new, vibrant, low-carbon residential community. The masterplan embraces the industrial heritage while introducing high-quality new homes set within a landscape that respects the historic built form and enhances ecological and communal spaces.
Working with Stonewood Homes, the scheme comprises 105 new dwellings, including the sensitive conversion of Ham Mill and two other heritage buildings into 21 homes, alongside 400m² of commercial space. Carefully designed open spaces, restored alleyways, and riverside corridors reinforce the site’s industrial character, providing a distinct sense of place. Green infrastructure, biodiversity enhancements, and sustainable drainage systems are integrated throughout.
The development introduces four key new housing typologies:
1. Interlocking Houses:
Designed for compactness and privacy, these homes use a simple pitched form with carports that double as roof terraces. Paired together, they create rhythmic streetscapes with vertical window openings referencing the mill’s architecture.
2. Historic Rooflines:
These homes echo the asymmetric gables of former factory buildings (Buildings A & B), incorporating distinctive parapets, clipped verges, and detailing to reflect the site's industrial past while offering contemporary functionality.
3. Cottage Terraces:
Located at the southern edge, these smaller-scale terraces reduce the built mass near the entrance, offering intimate gardens, considered layouts to avoid overlooking, and soft landscaping integration.
4. Apartment Buildings:
Inspired by robust local factory architecture, these blocks use brick massing, metal lift stacks, steel balconies, and vertical fenestration to establish a bold, industrial character while providing views over the river and the mill.
