Tower Mill, Manchester
Tower Mill features a bespoke woven mesh installation that respects the project’s character whilst leaning into the history of the building.
The refurbishment of Tower Mill in Ancoats forms part of the continuing transformation of Manchester’s historic industrial fabric into contemporary spaces that respect both heritage and modern use.
Working with architect Peter Grech of The Spacemaker, the project sought to introduce refined architectural interventions that would enhance the character of the building while celebrating its industrial origins. As Peter Grech explains, “The scope of the project from the clients was to create a space that was contemporary and modern whilst still respecting the building’s heritage.”
A crucial part of the design vision was the introduction of materials that could combine past and present elements that would reference the building’s robust industrial history while offering a sophisticated finish suited to a modern environment. The use of woven wire mesh was identified as a key feature to achieve this balance.
Choosing the Material
Custom Fabrications Ltd supplied, fabricated and installed a bespoke woven wire mesh solution using the SJD-21 mesh from Banker Wire, finished in an aged brass tone. The chosen mesh offered the ideal combination of visual openness, texture, and durability, allowing the material to perform both functionally and aesthetically within the scheme. The result is an visual that feels integrated rather than imposed, a modern layer that responds sensitively to the building’s heritage.
Fabrication & Installation Approach
The success of the installation relied on close collaboration between the architect and the specialist contractor. Custom Fabrications Ltd worked closely with the design team to ensure that the woven mesh could be fabricated to precise dimensions and installed cleanly within the existing structure.
Design Challenges
As with many refurbishment projects within historic industrial buildings, the primary challenge lay in working with existing tolerances and irregular structural conditions. Achieving a crisp, contemporary finish required precision fabrication, combined with practical installation expertise. All of this was done whilst balancing the modern details, whilst being sensitive to the heritage of the building. Through careful planning and collaboration, these challenges were resolved while retaining the integrity of the original architectural concept.
The Finished Project
The completed woven mesh installation adds a new layer of texture and identity to Tower Mill, reinforcing the dialogue between historical context and contemporary design. The aged brass finish introduces warmth and character, while the openness of the mesh supports a sense of lightness and continuity throughout the space.
The project demonstrates how specialist fabrication and thoughtful material specification can elevate refurbishment schemes, creating architectural features that are both functional and visually distinctive while remaining respectful of the building’s industrial heritage.
As Peter Grech reflects, “with the mesh, it actually feels like it belongs in the space, even though it is clearly more modern. It feels respectful to the building’s style in a new Nouveau Georgian way.”
The homeowner reflects on the finished result:
“Everything about the design had to be beautiful, and the mesh was the perfect material to give us the visual interest and rich textured finish we were looking for. Importantly, it lets plenty of light flood through. The end result is stunning.”
