John Rowan and Partners has been commissioned to undertake an interesting and exciting new refurbishment project of Thames Tunnel Mills (TTM).

TTM is an iconic Grade II listed building on the banks of the River Thames at Rotherhithe, and was one of the earliest warehouse residential conversions in Docklands. We are currently preparing the specification and working with the Southwark Conservation Team to achieve a sympathetic refurbishment.

Integral to the renovations, our client would like to create a unique modern experience for the residents by re-designing the concealed roof top greenhouse garden with a number of goals in mind.

The rooftop redesign should enable the roof to blend in with the historical aspect of the building, while improving the space for residents to relax in a sustainable (low maintenance) environment.

The refurbishment specification includes brickwork repair and pointing, roof works, internal redecoration, structural elements to maintain the integrity of the fabric and ensure continuity of use.

Ben Ojomo, Senior Building Surveyor and project manager commented “We are really pleased to be working on this project. Preserving an iconic Grade II listed building while bringing it into the modern era will have its challenges, but we are looking forward to making it a more sustainable and comfortable place for its residents.”

Named after Brunel’s famous tunnel which was dug almost alongside, the towering 19th-century mill buildings and warehouses were in use until the early 1960s.  By the 80s it was decaying and fire damaged but its substantial brick walls still stood. Planning approval for 71 flats was secured back in 1978 and construction was completed in late 1983.