This project breathes new life into a Grade II listed former steam laundry mill in Portland. Vacant for over a decade, the historic building is being sensitively converted into eight spacious two-bedroom apartments, balancing industrial heritage with modern, sustainable living.
Central to the concept is restoring the building’s original openness. Modern suspended ceilings are being removed to reveal double-height vaulted spaces, original timber roof trusses, and cast-iron columns. To overcome the deep-plan layout, a section of the non-original roof will be removed to create a stunning open-air internal courtyard. This innovative lightwell allows natural sunlight and ventilation to pour into the homes while providing private outdoor amenity space.
The design embraces the building’s factory roots with exposed steel mezzanines and Corten steel detailing that complements the historic brickwork. The development is future-proofed as a 100% electric building with solar panels, ensuring this heritage asset thrives for generations.
