Test project: Gin brand gives paper mill a new lease of life

The site, in Laverstoke, Hampshire, contains more than 40 previously derelict buildings – three of which are Grade II-listed – and centres around the River Test.

The River Test served as a source of inspiration for Heatherwick, who widened the channel to twice its original width to make it more of a prominent feature, leading visitors into the distillery’s central courtyard.

As well as renovating the original buildings and redeveloping the banks of the river, Heatherwick built two new glass houses to grow the 10 botanicals used in the Bombay Sapphire distillation process.

Connected to the northern still house, the glass houses take waste heat from the distillation process and recycle it to maintain the warm climate needed to let the plants flourish.

The sustainable elements of the glass houses have resulted in the distillery being awarded the prestigious Outstanding BREEAM rating for environmental assessment.

A growing number of brands are showing interest in buildings of historical interest and giving them a new lease of life. For more examples, read our Resurrection Stores microtrend.