After a limited competition, FCBStudios were appointed to carry out the comprehensive redevelopment of a former water mill, and its site of over four acres, to provide a unique recording studio complex.

The client for the project was Peter Gabriel. His original concept was to provide a unique and creative environment for the development of new ideas in music and the visual arts using all the benefits of emerging technology.

The complex is centred on the conversion of the existing mill building into studio facilities. The robust character of the existing building was preserved, and any alterations were carried out in a distinctly contemporary manner.

A new control room projects out from the existing building into an enlarged mill pond.

The form and character of this new extension derives from the acoustic requirements of the space and the desire to create a naturally lit but acoustically sealed enclosure, which made the most of the views over the mill pond.

Residential and office accommodation were also provided by renovating other buildings on the site. A vaulted timber structure was constructed to provide a studio/writing room on the other side of the mill pond.

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