Iconic Sheffield building scoops design award after revamp

The Grain Warehouse had been largely neglected for more than two decades and the building had suffered water damage and minor structural faults.

Luckily many of its original features had survived intact so Sheffield-based design company Structural Interiors set about reclaiming the structure and gave it a new lease of life.

The company won small/medium project of the year award at the Mixology Awards 2015 in Manchester after turning the landmark building into a creative studio space.

The Grade II Listed Grain House was built in the 19th century for storing grain for distribution by boats travelling along the northern canal network.

Sheffield Interiors had been asked to create studio space with for client WE ARE, a brand communications specialists.

Many of the building’s original features were kept and used so that there would be a blend of old and new.

A special lighting feature using the original grain hopper spout was even created for the new studio.

Structural Interiors managing director David Baldwin said: “This is an extremely important victory for the whole Structural Interiors team and one that we are all very proud of.

“We were up against some very strong national competition including Faulkner Browns with their submission for Newcastle University’s Social Learning Space and this award recognises our expertise and all the hard work we have put in over the years to elevate us above our competition.

“And above everything else, it is also extremely rewarding to see that our work has safeguarded the future of a major piece of Sheffield’s industrial heritage at a time when so much of the city’s past is under threat.”