Design of a new state-of-the-art purpose-built premises

The Company

Established in 1987 Ai Process has developed into one of the UK’s leading specialist process engineering consultancies with a pedigree of successful projects in a wide range of market sectors throughout the world. Having been based in Burnley since its inception, the decision was made in 2013 to move to new purpose-built premises for the expanding business.

Project Brief

Ai Process purchased the Corn Mill – originally constructed as a church in the early 20th century. The building’s traditional exterior was largely intact, but a series of earlier conversions had stripped the interior of many of the original features and had left the building in need of urgent attention. Taylor Architects were appointed to transform the Corn Mill, using high quality design techniques and materials to maintain the traditional looking building, whilst managing to create a contemporary well-facilitated working environment on the inside.

Scope of Works

The conversion began in February 2013 and involved:

• Removal of an an existing mezzanine floor
• Installation of two new upper level floors to provide a series of open plan, cellular offices and meeting spaces
• Re-construction of entrances to both the street and lower ground floor
• Installation of new staircases and a lift
• Energy efficient double-glazed windows, high efficiency lighting and air source heat pumps
• Various stone repair and other conservation measures

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge was to combine the stunning architecture of the 20th century building with the very latest technology, whilst taking into account:

• The creation of additional working floor areas
• Suitable meeting space to welcome clients
• Regulations relating to being ‘disabled friendly’
• Energy efficiency

The project took a total of 2 years to complete, from initial selection of the architects, design work and planning approval to its eventual re-development.  The result is stunning – a true testimony to the innovation, vision and precision upon which Ai Process pride themselves.

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