The Wool Store has quite a history. It is in fact two buildings both early Victorian and although constructed along the same lines there are a few differences, the most obvious being within the roof with the earlier structure having queen post trusses and the later king post trusses.
The building was used as a billet for the 3rd US Armoured Division during WW2 and when the project began it still bore the marks from that period of its history. A giant mural depicting an idealised view of America was painted on one wall, the floor was reinforced for dancing, a low stage was constructed at the northern end of the older building, darts scores were etched into old door frames, the southern end of the building was adorned with a brick and concrete staircase and there was at least one example of anti English (and unprintable) graffiti scrawled in what was the lavatory. And now! Five spacious and stylish luxury flats with underfloor heating and beautiful wood finishes.
One of the most striking aspects of the project is the common staircase, positioned in the centre of the building the stairwell is lit by two large windows.
Built from ash the four flights of stairs stretch between two half landings and two flying landings.
The flights themselves were built by a local joinery company and delivered in kit form. The landings were constructed on site.
The use of stainless steel balusters topped with ash handrails and glass infill panels enhances the open feel of the staircase.
