Hampshire Water Mill

Residential, Community and Heritage

In 2010 Kaner Olette created a series of interventions to this Grade 2 listed property in a unique setting in Hampshire. These included a photography studio within a former corn barn/mill, as well as a contemporary glazed breakfast room extension to the main house.

After a devastating fire in 2018 destroyed the west barn along with the mill and part of the house, Kaner Olette were tasked with elements of its reconstruction.

The client was keen to take the opportunity to re-think the internal layout, circulation and uses. Therefore, a strategy was developed to create a three storey high open gallery space - partially public when the gardens opened for visitors and partially private for parties or cinema use. The first floor studio was enhanced with large views onto the River Test - a rich ecosystem and chalk stream. Kaner Olette oversaw the re-use of what survived of the traditional flint and brick walls and the reinstatement of the original external composition. A new green oak frame runs through the mill and west barn with vertical circulation via a bespoke metal staircase and bridges. The north west corner houses the wetroom with its Japanese cedar onsen bath - used after early morning swims in the river.

The final result has settled quickly back into the landscape setting and the new uses allow the clients to enjoy their unique site with fresh vigour.