National Trust, Styal

The project involved the construction of a new upper garden café located within the grounds of Quarry Bank Mill, a heritage site managed by the National Trust. The café was designed to enhance the visitor experience, offering a modern and welcoming space amidst the historical surroundings of the mill’s gardens. The scope included the café’s building construction as well as surrounding external works and landscaping to integrate the structure seamlessly into its natural environment.

Project Location:

Quarry Bank Mill, located in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, is a historically significant site. The café building was strategically positioned within the upper garden area to provide scenic views for visitors while complementing the site’s heritage and landscape.

Key Works and Challenges:

1. Building Construction:

The café structure was designed with a modern aesthetic while respecting the site’s historical context. The building’s outer skin was constructed using blockwork, with a distinctive cladding combination of larch, aluminum, and zinc. A flat roof was employed to create a unique triangular shape, contributing to the building’s contemporary appearance while maintaining a connection to the surrounding garden.

2. Landscaping and External Works:

Significant landscaping work was required to integrate the café into the upper garden area. This included grading and planting around the structure to blend it with the natural environment and ensure ease of access for visitors.

3. Logistical Challenges:

Constructing the café within an active visitor site posed several logistical challenges. Site deliveries had to be carefully coordinated to minimize disruption to visitors exploring the gardens. Strict access management procedures were put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of the public during the construction phase. Careful planning was required to work around peak visitor times and ensure minimal impact on the site’s daily operations.

Project Successes:

The project was completed on time and within the £460,000 budget, overcoming the challenges of working in a live environment with regular visitor traffic.

The café’s modern design, with its high-quality materials and striking triangular form, has proven to be a popular addition to the site, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The landscaping work successfully blended the café into the garden, creating a harmonious space for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Conclusion:

The new upper garden café at Quarry Bank Mill is a striking example of how modern design can be integrated into a historical setting. Despite the challenges of working within a public space, the project was completed successfully, offering a high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing addition to the National Trust property. The careful attention to logistics, design, and landscaping ensured the project’s seamless integration, enhancing both the visitor experience and the site’s overall appeal.