Spratley & Partners’ mill house in Cranborne Chase skilfully blends historic and modern typologies to maximise its AONB setting.
Photos
Tim Soar
Spratley & Partners has completed Knighton Mill, a 610-square-metre house situated in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Set on a historic waterway site, the original mill structure had been extensively modified over the years and had lost much of its charm. The brief was for a building that would honour the traditional mill aesthetic, while introducing a modern glass wing to maximise views of the new landscape designed by Andy Sturgeon.
Among the main engineering challenges was navigating the cascading water flowing between levels and beneath the house, in order to create a striking ‘floating’ effect for the glass wing. This is achieved in part by supporting the structure on slender concrete piles. A fully-glazed lobby at the main entrance links the house’s two wings, while a double-height knapped flint wall separates the traditional stone and modern glass wings.
The reorientation of the new building enhances the sense of arrival, with the glass wing overlooking open countryside and water features. This required a temporary coffer dam to redirect the river during groundworks, along with careful reconstruction of the river walls. The south-facing positioning of the new mill optimises solar shading.
The main structure employs traditional materials, including rough-cut sandstone, Bath Stone ashlar blocks, and handmade, red clay roof tiles, which evoke those used on the original mill. By contrast, the steel-framed glass wing is designed with slim columns behind clear glazing to minimise visual interruption. Floor-to-ceiling glass units, clamped to the structure with bespoke angle brackets, provide excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Specialist high-performance glass was specified to maximise solar protection, light transmission, and thermal insulation.
Future-proofing is central to the project with accessible and level entries in some areas, raised structures closer to the river designed to withstand flooding, and an internal lift. A green roof on the glass wing promotes biodiversity and reduces surface runoff. Integrated bat tiles and wildlife boxes in nearby trees further support local conservation. High levels of insulation, air-source heating, low-energy lighting, and locally-sourced materials, ensure a low-carbon footprint and excellent thermal performance.
“Our vision for Knighton Mill was to create a home deeply rooted in its historic setting, while still embracing the comforts and openness of modern living, says Sam George, Partner at Spratley & Partners. “Balancing these elements and working sensitively with the landscape and waterways was challenging, but the result is a home that honours its heritage and allows the owners to connect fully with the stunning surroundings.”
Additional Images
Credits
Architect
Spratley & Partners
Structural engineer
Centrespace Design
Services engineer
Quinn Ross Consultants
Interior designer
Helen Smith
Landscape designer
Andy Sturgeon
Contractor
DTM Interiors
Source: Architecture Today