Yarwell Mill

Hayward McMullan were employed to breath new life into what was a disused and derelict mill dating from the 1850s. Classed as a Grade 2 Listed building and heritage asset. New designs needed to integrate within the existing retained oak structural joists and accommodate the river Nene which flowed underneath the central portion of the building formerly used to power the milling equipment.

Hayward McMullan Architects undertook chartered architectural services throughout a number of RIBA work stages in accordance with RIBA plan of work. Initially we designed apartments to improve efficiency and resale value to increase the clients gross development value. Our design process is underpinned by commercial sensibilities to ensure clients achieve their financial objectives in the planning and conceptual stages. Subsequently planning applications were made to the local authority to ensure planning conditions were discharged prior to commencing technical drawings. This involved close liaison with the Heritage and conservation officer of the local authority in accordance with the planning permission documentation.

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Subsequent to Planning Approval, Hayward McMullan drafted technical drawings to inform the  structural design with the structural engineer and to ensure all technical criteria were met to comply with UK building regulations. Once the technical drawings were complete a building regulations submission was made to the approved building inspector, this was reviewed and signed off after plan check approval. Tender drawings were compiled and sent to building contractors and subsequently after tender analysis and interview a contractor was chosen.

Prior to start on site Hayward McMullan worked with the external principal designer and health and safety consultant to develop and review the designers risk assessment and discuss safe working methods and subsequent RAMS risk assessments and method statements particularly for the enabling works required surrounding structural work above the live watercourse flowing underneath the building.    

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The proposed construction methodology chosen utilised a timber frame superstructure with metal web timber joists, this ensured that the build could be constructed quickly with few long lead items, insulation values and air tightness could be maintained at high levels and the overall construction had a relatively low embodied energy and carbon footprint compared to in situ concrete or SF lightweight steel framing systems. This methodology also aligns with the practices methodology that where possible buildings have a ‘Long Life, Loose Fit’ rationale.

Long Life, Loose FIt

The Mill has stood and lasted incredibly well due to its construction from local limestone construction, we wanted to retain this masonry structure completely and repair in order to ensure it lasted another 175 years. The construction methodology allows for the listed masonry and timber joists internally to remain and if required to be repurposed; the lightweight timber frames could be removed and reused elsewhere whilst the original open plan barn can remain for another use…..long life, loose fit……

Repair

Of paramount importance was the consolidation of the mills existing stone skin, roof and timber skeleton, with this in mind the mill was painstakingly repointed in lime mortar, ashlar kneeler stones were replaced, ashlar string courses were dressed with lead work to protect existing masonry starting to weather. On the roof, joists were replaced where required but in most part rotten rafter ends were replaced and spliced into existing timber in order to preserve as much fabric as possible. The roof was completely clad in membrane, battens and re slated.

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