Weir Mill started off life as a water powered cotton works in the late 18th century, with the original water wheelhouse and mill building still standing today. Known to have inspired local artist LS Lowry, the mill is an enduring icon of Stockport’s industrial past.

Capital & Centric’s £60 million proposed regeneration of the Mill alongside a series of new build blocks provide a mixture of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, a 6th floor private dining space with communal roof terrace, reception lounge, co-working area and a mix used space within the old weavers shed.

Project Studio we’re appointed to review the brand standards across the scheme and were responsible for all finishes, lighting and furnishings within the apartments and communal areas.

Inspired by the painted brickwork datums found within the old mills, the old red oxide fire escape gantries, cast iron columns and terracotta hues of the existing brickwork.

Our proposal was to insert a series of tiled trays that set a datum point within each communal space. These datums not only provide a robust wall and floor finish but also allow areas to be sculpted to form objects that can be used as room dividers, seating areas and areas for fitted furniture such as kitchens, storage, and desking.

Amenity spaces are designed with flexibility and multi-use in mind, allowing residents and the building operator to transform spaces from co-working by day to events and private dining by night. This is achieved using cleaver storage solutions and furniture that can easily arrangements.

The proposed material palette for the scheme looks to take inspiration from the sites industrial past. From quarry tiled flooring within the old mill building, to large scale terrazzo tiling in the new builds, Dark stained band sawn oak joinery, exposed concrete and colour pigmented plaster in reference to the old dye houses found on the site. Whilst distressed leathers, boucle fabrics and rich velvets provide comfort and warmth.