Bowhill carefully balances the need for modern, high-quality housing with a commitment to preserving the site’s architectural and historical significance. The site, owned by Ore Valley Housing Association, housed a listed ‘C’ building from 1934 which was in a state of severe disrepair. Structural assessments revealed the building’s internal features were irreparably deteriorated, with collapsing roof elements, decayed masonry, and bowing timber lintels.
Despite these challenges, the client prioritised retaining two of the traditional polychromatic brick façades to honour the village’s mining heritage. These were stabilised and repaired using reclaimed materials, maintaining the visual identity of the Old Miners’ Institute.
Behind the retained façades, a self-supporting structure was built to house the new home modern interiors and ensure long-term stability. The new construction includes a three-storey extension to the northwest. Differentiated through simplified elevations and dry-dash render matching the original tones, this extension complements the historic structure without overpowering it.
A consistent base line of brickwork ties the old and new together. The windows and doorways of the original façade were reinstated with modern timber windows. Additional spandrel panels were used to maintain the façade’s rhythm. Local reclaimed brick was used to compliment the retained brickwork.
Complete and fully occupied, Bowhill exemplifies sustainable redevelopment by reusing materials from the site and reducing waste. The design maximised financial efficiency to deliver affordable housing while addressing the client’s goals of preserving Cardenden’s mining heritage. The new homes breathe life into a site that had long been derelict, offering modern, functional housing to the local community while safeguarding a piece of the village’s history.
Winner: National Gold Award at the International Green Apple Environment Awards 2024 in the ‘Property and Estate Management: Regeneration’ category.
Project website: https://ecda.co.uk/projects/bowhill-housing/
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