Centre of Refurbishment Excellence

A sustainable future for a disused pottery works

Introduction

We led the final two phases of the high profile regeneration of this Grade II-listed former pottery works.

Our brief was to transform the disused buildings into CoRE (Centre of Refurbishment Excellence), a national centre for low energy building retrofit, including a conference venue, exhibition zone for innovative products in the retrofit market, and a construction training college.

An exemplar showcase for sustainable technology

The derelict buildings were upgraded to the highest standards, serving as an exemplar showcase for different technologies and construction methods and optimising onsite energy performance. Our approach to environmental control was crucial; following years of industrial use the four kilns were damp and salt laden and provided a significant challenge. The America Hotel pub had to be completely rebuilt.

We successfully introduced multiple sustainable technologies into the listed buildings. Repairs were like for like and new interventions designed to be reversible wherever possible, minimising the impact on the building fabric which ranges from Victorian brickwork to 20th century concrete and steel. A new-build entrance hub connects the Enson Works and America Hotel, now part of the conference centre.

We achieved an air tightness which is higher than values required for new build, which at the time was a considerable achievement for a retrofit of an old industrial brick building.

The completed facilities have an A-Rated EPC certificate and a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.