Compstall Mills, Stockport
A landmark regeneration project delivering new homes while preserving the industrial heritage of Compstall Mills. At a Glance The Challenge: Unlocking a Complex Industrial Site Located on a challenging ‘L’ shaped plot between the River Etherow, a country park reservoir, and a busy main road, Compstall Mills represents a significant opportunity for regeneration in Stockport. The site is steeped in history but fraught with technical constraints. The brief required navigating a significant 6m level difference, managing flood risk, and addressing the structural integrity of existing industrial buildings. Crucially, previous planning approvals for this site had stalled due to a lack of commercial viability. Our objective was clear: to design a cost-effective, high-value housing development that is respectful of the local heritage, improves biodiversity, and finally delivers on the site’s potential. The Solution: A Connected Masterplan As both the lead Architects in Stockport for this scheme and a member of the development consortium, we approached the site with a focus on placemaking and feasibility. Our concept creates a cohesive community by blending mill conversion apartments with new-build homes, centered around a new public heart. 1. Scotland Homes (Roadside Frontage) To improve the streetscape along Andrew Street, we designed 12 new-build semi-detached houses. The architecture creates a bridge between the past and future, featuring a saw-tooth roof design that mirrors the original mill profiles while optimizing south-facing orientation for solar PVs. 2. Noah House Navigating the site’s challenging topography, this building sits against a 6m retaining wall. It features new apartments. 3. Victoria Mill & Albert House Victoria Mill is the historic centrepiece of the site. We are retaining this asset, converting it into apartments. Adjacent to this, the new-build “Albert House” provides additional apartments and facilities. 4. The Heritage Garden Between the residential zones lies the Heritage Garden. Centered around the site’s original water wheel, this public realm improves connections across the site and celebrates the area’s industrial history. 5. Riverside Living Parallel to the River Etherow, we have proposed new-build homes. These new properties are designed with a sophisticated, simple aesthetic that respects the scale and architectural structure of Victoria Mill, offering families south-facing living spaces and off-road parking. The Result By balancing retention with strategic demolition, we have created a viable scheme that delivers new homes and improved public access. The project has received unanimous support and excitement from the shareholder consortium. The site has successfully been allocated in the Council’s local plan, with positive initial feedback from the council and consultants regarding our approach to conservation and design quality. We are currently engaged in pre-app conversations and the design is subject to change.No enquiries yet please for the purchase of individual properties.
Coed Mor, Llanfaelog
Creating Sustainable Homes The Coed Mor project marks the re-development of a garden plot into four new-build detached homes, comprising two 3-bedroom and two 4-bedroom residences. Nestled in Llanfaelog on Anglesey, along the road into Rhosneigr, these open-market homes offer modern living in a sought-after location. Strategic Importance This project holds strategic importance for Buju Architects as we seek a financial and development partner to collaborate on a joint venture. With Outline Planning Approval secured, we are poised to progress towards Full Planning Approval, focusing on sustainable architecture principles to minimise embodied carbon, running costs and maintenance requirements. Director Andy Wilde’s recent qualification as a Passive House Designer underscores our commitment to making this development an exemplary scheme for North Wales and our architectural portfolio. Overcoming Challenges with Expertise Navigating challenges such as the existing trees, vehicular requirements and biodiversity considerations required a collaborative approach. Accurate measured surveys and specialist advice from consultants ensured informed decision-making and effective solutions, enhancing project feasibility and sustainability. Concept and Design Approach The concept for Coed Mor is to utilise an underused piece of land with good access, to provide much-needed homes, contributing to the local council’s housing targets. Our design ethos balances respect for the area’s character with progressive style and performance standards. South-facing gardens, off-road parking and detached layouts reflect our commitment to creating desirable and functional living spaces. Client Satisfaction and Future Endeavours With Outline Planning Approval secured, our client is delighted and we eagerly anticipate delivering similar schemes across the UK. Buju Architects welcomes enquiries from potential partners and clients interested in sustainable and innovative architectural solutions.
Hendrix House, Stockport
Redefining Urban Living The Hendrix House project marks a significant milestone for Buju Architects, with the redevelopment of a commercial site in Stockport into a vibrant residential community. Comprising 33 highly sustainable apartments to Passive House standards, this project epitomises our commitment to innovation and environmental design. Local Engagement and Sensitivity Located in close proximity to our office in Stockport, the site holds special significance for us as a local architectural practice. Recognising the importance of the area’s heritage, conservation status and listed buildings, we approached this project with utmost sensitivity and care. Addressing Challenges with Innovative Solutions The site presented unique challenges, including an extreme level change, surrounding buildings of varying scales and an important history. In response to these challenges and opportunities, we procured a detailed 3D survey to understand the context of the geometry thoroughly. Collaborating with a planning consultant and engaging in pre-application discussions with the council allowed us to understand the history of the site and influence our design proposals to align with regulatory requirements and preferences – prior to submitting an application for approval. Design Concept: Blending Tradition with Innovation Our latest design concept divides the project into two buildings, harmonising with the local character and site constraints. Improving the existing access and car park location minimised the impact on neighbouring buildings. The larger building features a roof garden, providing shared amenity space for residents to enjoy. Paying homage to the area’s history and materials, our architectural style seamlessly integrates contemporary elements, setting a new standard for sustainable development. Setting the Standard for Sustainable Living Buju Architects is committed to setting the standard for sustainable residential development, exemplified by our director’s recent qualification as a Passive House Designer. We are dedicated to ensuring that Hendrix House becomes a beacon of sustainability and architectural excellence in the community. Positive Impact on the Local Community The Hendrix House project promises to revitalise the local area, enhancing both its utilisation and aesthetic appeal while honouring its heritage. We look forward to presenting our latest design to the council and continuing our journey towards creating a vibrant, sustainable urban living environment in Stockport.
Waterloo Road, Stockport
We are thrilled to present our visionary proposal for new residential apartments on Waterloo Road, nestled within the conservation area of Stockport. Our design harmoniously responds to the existing neighbouring buildings with an aim to elevate and enrich the local surroundings. The existing site, with its sloping green bank and two-story buildings, presents an incredible opportunity for redevelopment. The current structures will be demolished to create 46 stunning apartments. By carefully considering the massing and scale, we have ensured that our development seamlessly integrates into the existing fabric of Waterloo Road. The goal is to create a cohesive streetscape that respects the historical context while offering a fresh and contemporary vision for urban living. The addition of thoughtfully planned commercial spaces will further enrich the area, fostering economic growth and enhancing the convenience and accessibility of daily life for both residents and locals. Recognising the importance of green spaces in fostering a thriving community, our proposal includes a strong emphasis on enhancing the natural environment. We aim to improve the overall green space within and around the development, creating pockets of tranquillity for residents and the wider neighbourhood to enjoy. We have carefully considered communal spaces, such as rooftop gardens and shared facilities, to foster social connections among residents. We look forward to seeing this project progress further. Click here to download: Case Study – Hendrix House
Coronation Walks, Southport
Commercial to Residential Conversion: Conversion of a former night club into residential use in the heart of Southport. 16 new apartments above an existing bar Situated in the Southport conservation area the apartments have been fitted out to a high standard and furnished to form serviced accommodation. This development will provide a great environment and base from which to enjoy the attractions available in Southport. We took care in considering the alterations whilst addressing the acoustic and fire performance measures in the building with its new uses, including bespoke timber framed windows facing Coronation Walk. Key Services: We worked closely with the client, project manager, contractor and interior designer to help deliver this quality development. Click here to download: Case Study – Coronation Walks, Southport
New Street, Altrincham
Overview We’re pleased to announce that a new-build development for 15 apartments in Altrincham’s town centre is due to be completed this year. Designed and constructed using Structural Insulated Panels means that the building is more energy efficient and airtight than traditional methods of construction. SIPs The use of Structural Insulated Panels is a modern alternative to traditional construction methods such as brick and blockwork. Often abbreviated to SIPs, this method consists of manufactured panels that typically comprises of a rigid insulation core, sandwiched between two layers of Oriented Strand Board or OSB. Due to the fact that the panels are factory made, means that the construction process is much more accurate and quicker to erect on-site. Throughout the design process we worked closely with the SIPs manufacturer to ensure that the panels and overall design was fully coordinated. This consisted of us sending drawings back and forth until the design was finalised and put into production. Once installed on site, the timber frame structure was then clad in brickwork and moss-grey aluminium cladding to create a contemporary and stunning aesthetic. We’re really excited to be part of this project and look forward to seeing it finished. If you’ve got a project that you want us to look at then don’t hesitate to get in touch! Click here to download: Case Study – New Street, Altrincham
Sugar House, Knutsford
Buju Architects were instructed to design a new five-bedroom house on this site which sits on a quiet residential road in Knutsford, Cheshire. This new build in Knutsford has been designed to meet the bespoke lifetime needs of our client and their family. The goal was to provide a home that is comfortable but also easily adapts to the clients’ changing needs over the next twenty years. To provide this flexibility, the ground floor meets the requirements of an accessible and adaptable dwelling according to Building Regulations Part M. At the rear of the house is a large living room and bathroom which can later be converted into a bedroom suite to accommodate members of the family with mobility issues. The main entrance of the home leads to a bright and airy hallway with a glazed crittal-style door leading into the open-plan living room which opens out to the wildlife-filled garden through floor-to ceiling doors. The first and second floors contain five bedrooms and three en-suites. All bedrooms have generous-sized windows for maximum natural light in the rooms as well as good ventilation. We aimed for a design in character with the neighbouring properties, so kept the materials traditional with red brick and stone sills contrasted against darker features such as the window frames, front door and fascia boards. This creates a really sharp design whilst not being overly modern. Since initial discussions with the client, a key aspiration for the home was energy efficiency, which we have achieved through the new high-quality and well-insulated construction. We really enjoyed creating this modern and sophisticated bespoke design for our clients and look forward to sharing photos once the build is completed. Please get in touch to discuss your project.
Compstall Road, Romiley
After working closely with the Local Authority, Buju Architects have achieved planning permission and completed the technical design for 2 x new-build three-storey homes. Situated on Compstall Road in Stockport, these beautiful examples of contemporary architecture have an exterior to impress and a spacious interior, perfect for families. The plot was separated to provide two detached 5-bed dwellings with ancillary car parking, open space and a new access from Compstall Road. ‘ We chose Buju Architects because after talking to the team, it was clear they are an innovative and dynamic company, with a good track record of developing creative and individualistic buildings of the style we envisaged for our project.’Client Quote We have enjoyed guiding our client from the initial concept stage, through planning and we are now progressing the construction stage of the project. The restrictions of the site required us to take a creative and considered approach, with the design of the buildings and landscaping directly influenced by the topography. As a result, there are some level changes in the internal spaces including a step down to a spacious, open-plan kitchen/dining area that leads into the sloping garden The design and massing of the homes have also been carefully designed to minimise impact on the neighbouring buildings. The form of the buildings maximises daylight and views over the valley Incorporating cantilevered zinc roofs creates stunning shaded areas for the entrances, and dramatic glazed gables feature in the vaulted master bedrooms. With glazing throughout, the result is a contemporary light-filled home. We have balanced these modern features with a mix of natural materials in keeping with the beautiful landscape. Sustainability is also at the heart of the design, with an EPC A-rated classification, low energy bills and low CO2 emissions. These energy-efficient homes will have a highly insulated timber frame construction, airtight build, heat recovery, air-source heat pumps and a solar PV system Please get in touch to discuss your project Click here to download Compstall Road, Romiley. Click here to download “144A Compstall Road – Floor Plans” Click here to download “144 Compstall Road – Floor Plans”
Dromin Community House
Dromin Community House is a modular community housing block for young families; providing comfortable but basic accommodation with shared circulation. We worked in RIBA Stages 0-2 of the design, and began with a desk-top study of the site; assessing orientation, access, aesthetics and local history. We carried out a site analysis study to inform the design process. We adopted the latest recognised space standards and furniture requirements, allowing us to design and replicate a functional and efficient layout for the apartments. A shared circulation core and passivhaus principals were integrated into the design process; managing the south-facing orientation for solar gain and solar PV. Highly-insulated walls and recycled-glass cladding wrap the building to create an appealing and sustainable design. Upon research into the area of Westhoughton, it became apparent that due to supposed folklore the people of this area are known as ‘cowheads’. Our focus to maintain some local history within this new building led to the abstract optional cladding design shown.’ Please get in touch to discuss your project. Click here to download Dromin Community House.
The Lookout Point, Rhosneigr
Buju Architects was instructed to design 6 new holiday homes in the coastal village of Rhosneigr. Now four years later, construction nears completion. Consisting of a combination of 3 townhouses and 3 detached houses, each home is designed carefully to maximise sea views and sit comfortably in context. With just a short walk to the beachfront, it was quickly established early on that we wanted to take full advantage of these stunning coastal views. To achieve this, we decided to flip the floor layouts around and created an “upside-down home”. By positioning all of the bedrooms at ground level and the living spaces to the top floor meant that the amazing views could be fully appreciated from the high vaulted living spaces throughout the day. These views are also maximised by utilising large feature glazed gables each with their own spacious balconies. The feature gable on the detached houses were also carefully designed and specifically orientated at a 45-degree angle towards these views for maximum effect. A similar palette of materials was used as those of surrounding buildings and a strong design theme was created across the site. Local stone, cedar cladding and white render clad these fantastic properties. The density of development was carefully considered to allow enough space for access and amenity, whilst respecting local residents. Services: Buju Architects were appointed for RIBA Stages 1-6 as Architect and Principal Designer. From developing the concept design, through planning, tender and construction. Buju Architects coordinated the design process and managed correspondence with the local Council. “..Buju Architects produced three alternative schemes and once the preferred scheme had been chosen they very quickly produced several visualisation models which proved extremely helpful in view of the gradient and context of this development. Modelling at this early stage is often not provided and with a difficult site such as this can be vital in obtaining the correct interaction between buildings.” – Rockview Developments Download Case Study – The Lookout Point, Rhosneigr