Old Silk Mill redevelopment to 4 new 3-bedroom Houses.
The Site: The Old Silk Mill, Tring, Hertfordshire - Located in a Conservation area.
Project: Longstanding developer Joe Burns of Hounsfield Developments Ltd appointed Ora Design Architecture as lead consultant following a complex planning appeal. We were brought in to discharge the numerous complex planning conditions and liaise with the design team to produce a fully coordinated construction drawing package and provide technical support during construction. Ora design architecture believe modern houses seldom achieve this level of finish and build quality, demonstrating the potential of engaging Architects and Technologists in modern housing projects.
Ora design architecture was appointed as lead Consultant on a Full-Service arrangement to,
- Planning and Conservation area Consent: Discharge numerous complex onerous conditions.
- Building Regulation: Develop Construction methods and prepare detailed drawings, Tender and Construction.
- Detailed construction information: Prepare further detailed construction drawings and technical specification.
- Technical Co-ordination: Co-ordinate and manage all technical aspects.
- Site Supervision: Represent the client’s interest and provide technical support throughout the build process.
Design Team
Client: Hounsfield Developments Ltd.
Lead Consultant: ORA Design Architecture
Contractor: Hounsfield Developments Ltd
Structural Engineer: Rawlings Ltd.
Mechanical & Electrical: ITS Consultancy
Interior Design: Oliver Burns
Agent: Cesare & co
Value: £3.5m
Date: Completed July 2022
Note: All images are courtesy of Cesare and Hounsfield Developments Ltd
Site History – Tring’s silk mill was part of a large textile mill complex. It was built in 1824 for William Kay who bought the Manor of Tring in 1823. It was run by his brother from Macclesfield but leased to David Evans & Co. after 4 years. It was in use up to 1898. When the mill was described in 1840 there was a 25hp (horse power) steam engine and 16hp of water power. It employed 500 people, consisting of 40 men, 140 women and 320 children. Gerald Massey the Chartist poet and prototype of Felix Holt in George Eliot’s novel entered the mill here in 1836 aged eight. The use and exploitation of children in factories was common at this time. (Source Historic England)
