Rusty Water Tower Converted Into A Modern Home

Could you imagine yourself living in a restored water tower? It’s definitely one of the most unusual types of homes out there and that’s what creates such a unique living experience that makes this an irresistible challenge for some. There’s actually quite a few such structures in the UK that are worth checking out for inspiration. One of them is a project completed in 2016 by architect Tonkin Liu. It had a small budget and it was quite a challenge but the results are magnificent. 

The tower is surrounded only by open views on all sides
The tower is surrounded only by open views on all sides
The large trees right next to the tower were preserved and now shield this unique house
The large trees right next to the tower were preserved and now shield this unique house
A light and delicate shell was built around the tower in order to give it a modern appearance
A light and delicate shell was built around the tower in order to give it a modern appearance

The tower was restored and repurposed into a home with a total of 160 square meters of living space. The actual water tank itself was transformed into a usable space which serves as a living and dining area. A light frame was built around the tank to conceal it rusty shell and to help it match the new design which is more modern and clean. The house is built on a robust shell but manages to look quite delicate thanks to this aesthetic. 

 

Inside, the rooms are furnished and decorated with lots of wood for a warm and cozy ambiance
Inside, the rooms are furnished and decorated with lots of wood for a warm and cozy ambiance
Both inside and out this unique home has a strong industrial look
Both inside and out this unique home has a strong industrial look

The water tower house resembles a small castle or fortification surrounded by beautiful barley fields and old trees. It’s these views that made this such an attractive location in the first place so the architect made sure to take advantage of them. Below the living and dining area inside the tank there’s two bedrooms and a garden room which acts as a connector between the building and its natural surroundings. 

A separate staircase tower was added in order to provide access to all the rooms
A separate staircase tower was added in order to provide access to all the rooms
The living and dining spaces are found inside the original water tank
The living and dining spaces are found inside the original water tank
The spiral staircase is built out of timber and attached to the side of the tower
The spiral staircase is built out of timber and attached to the side of the tower
At night the large windows make this place look like a giant lantern in the middle of the barley fields
At night the large windows make this place look like a giant lantern in the middle of the barley fields