Gillespie Yunnie Architects / Images
Cricklepit Mill, Exeter
The Grade II Listed 13th century Cricklepit Mill is located on a series of watercourses, beneath the Roman walls, adjacent to the Cathedral Quay and River Exe. The mill represents the major surviving part of a mediaeval industrial complex and remained in working order until the 1970s. An extensive fire in 1999 damaged the upper two floors and roof structure. It was subsequently rebuilt by Devon Historic Buildings Trust with funding from Exeter City Council, English Heritage and Guinness Trust.
The mill building has now been converted to provide interpretation and education facilities for Devon Wildlife Trust and the mill machinery restored to working order. The Trust’s administrative headquarters are housed within a new two-storey extension to the rear of the mill and linked to the existing building by means of a circulation tower. This simple, glass-fronted timber box has been constructed from sustainable materials and utilises ‘green’ environmental services systems, including a sedum roof, leat water to flush toilets and future plans to install a micro-hydropower system.