We have just submitted a planning application for the extension and decarbonisation of the Rock Mill Centre, New Mills, HIGH PEAK.
The proposed extension makes use of pre tensioned stone beams, a low carbon alternative to steel and concrete, using a Millstone grit from Shire Hill Quarry in the Peak District National Park, a stone with a particularly high compressive strength of around 100 MPa. The beams are engineered by Renaissance Structural Engineers, working closely with Marchington Stone, the quarry owners, and Etherow Stone, fabricators based in Glossop. Both the quarry and the factory are within 10 miles of the centre, minimising carbon emissions from transport. The use of modern CNC cutting machinery also allows us to reintrepret the masons’ craft of engraved lettering in relief, seen widely on many of the local Victorian stone buildings.
The decarbonisation of the building will improve fabric performance with Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) and triple glazed windows to reduce heating demand. New M&E equipment includes Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR), an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and battery storage, which will all be on show. Together these measures will reduce the current energy demand by half and move the centre to an all electric low carbon energy use instead of its current reliance on gas for heating and hot water.
“Our aim is to bring people together, to share knowledge, celebrate creativity, and build connections. We provide visitor information, a venue for community activities, and a home for events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Everything we do is guided by a belief in community spirit and a commitment to a more sustainable future for everyone who lives in and visits our area.”
The whole project supports the centre’s pricipal aim and will provide a showcase for both the retrofit of existing solid walled stone properties as well as the new, low carbon use of locally sourced structural stone.
3D View revised photoshoppes
Rock Mill Lane perspective 2
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Proposed Ground Floor
