An outstanding example of low embodied carbon construction, this project saw the transformation of a water tower into an architectural landmark and residence of a renowned fashion and beauty photographer with spectacular views across the countryside and beyond.

Unused since the war, the tower used to provide water to the village. Preserving the original structure, tower was converted with the addition of timber rooms and a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) cantilevered staircase rising through the structure. Acting as a compression spiral, the stair tower delivers the steel water tank structure’s wind loads down to the foundations and lends stability to the existing steel frame structure.

Integration provided the environmental design and full design and coordination of the MEP services for this unique building, which now stands as an exemplar of the circular economy with panoramic views of the landscape. The Water Tower has won numerous awards including:

Wood Awards - Restoration and Reuse 2022
Stephen Lawrence Prize 2021
RIBA National Award 2021
RIBA East Award 2021
AJ Retrofit Award House of the Year: House over 500k 2021
Structural Timber Awards: ‘Custom / Self Build’ Project of the Year 2020