Devon Wildlife Trust

Not many offices can boast a leat running through them, with stream-like habitats that have been opened up and landscaped, with ponds and wet areas! Nor can many offices double as a fully operational mill! But that is exactly what Devon Wildlife Trust, along with their architects Gillespie Yunnie, have achieved since buying a fire damaged, listed mill in the heart of Exeter.

As a listed heritage building, Cricklepitt Mill not only provided a unique challenge for an office headquarter project, but also a fascinating backdrop for a working environment. With the machinery of the mill renovated and restored the main milling room doubles as a stunning breakout/library area. The mill itself has high ceilings with exposed beams and the air conditioning units have been left exposed as a modern feature that compliments the building’s heritage – much like the ultra modern extension. The main water wheel and the stream itself are visible from most parts of the office, creating a calm connection with nature.

Devon Wildlife Trust insisted that every product and approach be taken with the environment as a priority. All office furniture is made by Steelcase, the recognised leader in its field for sustainable design. Every product had to rigorously prove its environmental credentials, with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) which included recycled content, recycle-ability and carbon footprint.

The result is a truly inspiring office environment that fuses heritage, nature and design into a special mix that captures the essence of Devon Wildlife Trust perfectly.