{"id":23849,"date":"2025-03-28T11:18:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T11:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/?p=23849"},"modified":"2025-04-02T12:29:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T11:29:00","slug":"tonwell-tower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultra hip 1960s holiday home in the sky"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This striking former water tower built in 1964 is now a stylish, sustainable holiday home, thanks to the hard work of owners, designers Matt and Ali Grey.<\/p>\n<p>Standing at 23-metre (75\u2019) high Tonwell (pronounced Tunnel) Tower is a wonderful example of Brutalist industrial design in a rural setting on the edge of a hamlet.<\/p>\n<p>Originally designed by Edmund Percey, of Shearer and Hicks architects, its conversion, by industrial designer Matt, has preserved the grade II-listed structure\u2019s original silhouette and found a new use for its form.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-content\" id=\"gdmag-4195727749\" data-cfpa=\"20295\" data-cfpw=\"20295\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper mobile\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline mobile\" data-ad-type=\"primary-mpu\" data-ad-label=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizemapping=\"primary-mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250],[300,600],[320,480]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20295 );<\/script>\n<div id=\"attachment_23869\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23869\" class=\"wp-image-23869 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"The round living room at Tonwell Tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7777.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23869\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image and main image at top of page credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Tower used to hold 230,000 litres (50,000 gallons) of fresh water in a doughnut-shaped tank ready for when it was needed in the nearby villages of Tonwell and Sacombe Park.<\/p>\n<p>To get really technical, the original structure consisted of a ground-to-roof shaft supporting a cantilevered, toroidal conic-section tank, triangulated at the circumference by eight semi-ornamental concrete stays, tied-in with two equidistant ring beams. (Phew!)<\/p>\n<p>However you describe it, the elegant structure only fulfilled its role as a water storage tank for three and a half decades before it was sold off. But that\u2019s good news for anyone looking for a hip holiday hideaway in Hertfordshire.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23880\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23880\" class=\"wp-image-23880 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Tonwell Tower from a distance \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8040.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23880\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Now, three new floors have been added, suspended in what was a space below the tank, between the central concrete shaft and outer concrete stays.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-content-2\" id=\"gdmag-1632389177\" data-cfpa=\"19928\" data-cfpw=\"19928\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><!-- code from Primis - granddesignsmagazine.com -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/live.primis.tech\/live\/liveView.php?s=116493&schain=1.0,1!grv.media,65,1\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- code from Primis --><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 19928 );<\/script>\n<p>Meanwhile, the tank ceiling has been supported with structural steels, and inside the tank the shaft has been removed to leave a 360\u00b0 open-plan living space.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23875\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23875\" class=\"wp-image-23875 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A workman cutting concrete from the tank at Tonwell Tower \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9491.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23875\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The self-build conversion took the Grey family four years.<\/p>\n<p>Stylish, high-end interiors, bathrooms, bedding, furniture, fittings and appliances, now sit inside alongside heat pump technology, home-automation and services.<\/p>\n<h2>Water infrastructure<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23902\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23902\" class=\"wp-image-23902 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Grey \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MattGrey-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23902\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Matt and Ali live a few miles away with their two daughters, in another example of water infrastructure from a different era \u2013 a converted Victorian pumping station that you may have watched them restore on <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/byqAguWQqiw?si=sLApEOmQcHdxyM2v\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">George Clark\u2019s Restoration Man show<\/a>. <!--more-->Before buying that home \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.co.uk\/rooms\/2478320?guests=1&amp;adults=1&amp;s=67&amp;unique_share_id=a1c34199-1eed-4159-bbe3-409185bfff88\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">where they also rent out an annexe on Airbnb<\/a> \u2013 the couple lived in east London, and before that, Matt started out by doing up his first home \u2013 a canal boat.<\/p>\n<h2>New project<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23863\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23863\" class=\"wp-image-23863 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Matt and Ali in front of the Tower on the first day they visited \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5812.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Matt says, \u201cWe\u2019d been looking for a new project for a while, and the opportunity finally came along after what had a been a difficult time for us; a period of family loss and illness, and lockdown.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-primary-mpu\" id=\"gdmag-4251339834\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>&#8220;We bought the tower blind, and visited for the first time in December 2020, armed with an extension ladder, a Christmas wreath for the door, and little idea of what we would find.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe whole family shinned up to the top in freezing fog and lowered ourselves down into the tank. It was awesome, inspiring \u2013 and a bit daunting.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23861\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23861\" class=\"wp-image-23861 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A view through the top of the tank to the sky \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5102.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23861\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>A redesign<\/h2>\n<p>He continues, \u201cWe spent most of the following year rethinking, redesigning, planning and provisioning.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen we bought it, there was planning permission in place for new a circular building on the ground, but we preferred to keep the clean, simple silhouette.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu\" id=\"gdmag-3599353693\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>&#8220;The plans we inherited also included a lift, but, if we\u2019d installed one, we\u2019d still have had to have the stairs anyway, and the two together would have just taken up too much space inside. So we decided to just have the spiral staircases.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But that does mean, unfortunately, that this will never be an accessible property.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Starting work<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23876\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23876\" class=\"wp-image-23876 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead view of Tonwell Tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1-1200x901.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/TonwellDroneShots_1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23876\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Work began in September 2021. With one major refurb project behind them, they have experience that stood them in good stead for this one. Plus, Matt\u2019s skills as an industrial designer are enormously helpful.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23890\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23890\" class=\"wp-image-23890 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A workman at work inside Tonwell Tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8602.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23890\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>He was, for example, able to save a huge amount of money by designing and speccing the 40 120kg+ triple-glazed windows himself \u2013 eight on each floor \u2013 into new openings cut into the Tower\u2019s concrete walls.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-2\" id=\"gdmag-2709598040\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>They are a key element of the building\u2019s success because of the light they bring into the house, the wonderful views they offer of the surrounding natural landscape, and the way they insulate you from the elements.<\/p>\n<p>When I visited the wind was whistling loudly round the Tower, but inside it was perfectly peaceful and warm.<\/p>\n<p>The width of the windows was determined by inset sections in the original concrete form, so they haven\u2019t negatively impacted the look of the Tower at all.<\/p>\n<h2>Hard lifting<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23859\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23859\" class=\"wp-image-23859 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A wheelbarrow containing things being winched up into the tower during works\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2951.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Matt recalls of the build, \u201cIt was hard work lifting everything up. First, we used ladders, then we moved on to ropes, then progressed to using a hoist, and finally we bought a scissor lift.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All in all, they lifted about 40 tonnes of building materials, sanitaryware, furniture, appliances, equipment \u2013 and people \u2013 up into the Tower, which is a lot to lift but quite a bit less than the original 230 tonnes of water it once held.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-3\" id=\"gdmag-887220192\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<div id=\"attachment_23858\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23858\" class=\"wp-image-23858 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-700x700.jpg\" alt=\"Using the scissor lift during the build\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2263.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The first job was cutting out a lot of concrete, to open up the middle of the tank \u2013 to turn that into a single open room \u2013\u00a0and to make the slits for all those windows.<\/p>\n<p>The elegant tower is made from reinforced concrete that was shuttered and poured in situ with locally sourced aggregate that gives the concrete a distinctive ochre colouring and a Puddingstone-like cut section.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23891\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23891\" class=\"wp-image-23891 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-700x700.jpg\" alt=\"Scaffolding half way up the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_9054.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23891\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cAfter that we scaffolded to the first storey then built the floors above, each off the floor below,\u201d Matt recalls.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe fixed the roof, and renovated the superstructure. We installed steels, cut more holes. We ran the services. We built a 20m staircase, by hand, step by step \u2013 and then we built another one.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Spiral staircases<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23882\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23882\" class=\"wp-image-23882 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Spiral staircase from below \" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7932-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23882\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The main staircase in the central concrete core, designed by Matt, takes you up to the fourth floor.<\/p>\n<p>Then a second smaller, off-centre spiral leads up to the large circular room and the roof. It was sourced on eBay and came from a former aluminium smelting works in Harlow.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-4\" id=\"gdmag-2700610168\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>It was the right era for the mid-century look they were going for, but wasn\u2019t quite the right size or length, so extra sections had to be fabricated to ensure a fit.<\/p>\n<p>All those stairs certainly keep you fit. Or not: Matt admits ruefully, \u201cI\u2019ve got inflamed tendons now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the ground floor, there\u2019s a circular boot room wrapped around the central concrete core that contains the main spiral staircase.<\/p>\n<p>The narrow room is just wide enough to walk round and offers somewhere to hang coats and leave shoes.<\/p>\n<p>On the next floor up, there\u2019s a home office, storage\/utility room, and plant room, nerve centre of all the property\u2019s green tech.<\/p>\n<h2>Smart building<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23854\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23854\" class=\"wp-image-23854 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-700x700.jpg\" alt=\"The plant room at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-700x700.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-120x120.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-25.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23854\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This is a very &#8216;smart&#8217; tower fitted with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.daikin.eu\/en_us\/products\/product.html\/DucoBox%20Energy%20Premium.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daikin Duco mechanical ventilation with heat reclaim (MVHR) system<\/a>, smart full-spectrum LED lighting, Daikin air-source heat pump hooked up to underfloor heating, automatic blinds, and HomePod voice control.<\/p>\n<p>Ever the creative, Matt can\u2019t stop himself from imagining turning the tower into a multicoloured beacon with colourful lighting for special occasions\u2026 \u201cImagine,\u201d he beams mischievously, \u201cyou could light up the sky with pink lights on Valentine\u2019s Day, red and white when the football\u2019s on&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Mechanical ventilation<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23887\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23887\" class=\"wp-image-23887 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"One of the bedrooms at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8096.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23887\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Meanwhile, the MVHR system, which silently circulates fresh air through the house, via ducts hidden inside the walls, is a key element of a highly-insulated Passivhaus-style retrofit like this.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s particularly necessary in the Tower because the windows don\u2019t open.<\/p>\n<p>Matt says, \u201cQuite aside from the thermal efficiency, because of the curve of the building and the fact the windows are floor to ceiling, it wasn\u2019t obvious what way to make them open.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Plus, as we were planning to rent the place out, I was nervous anyway. So having sealed units just made sense.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The mechanical system extracts the stale air and gently pumps in filtered fresh air, recovering most of the heat from the outgoing air as it does so.<\/p>\n<p>Tonwell Tower\u2019s sustainable heating is provided by a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.daikin.co.uk\/en_gb\/residential\/products-and-advice\/product-categories\/heat-pumps\/air-to-water-heat-pumps\/daikin-altherma-3-h-ht-f.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daikin Altherma 3 high temperature air-source heat-pump<\/a> that runs with a COP (coefficient of performance) of 4 or 400% efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>That means the heat pump extracts heat from the air and uses it to produce about 4 kW of heat for every 1 kW of power it uses.<\/p>\n<p>The system feeds underfloor heating set into the beautifully polished concrete floors throughout the tower, providing consistent warmth. It also delivers all the building\u2019s hot water needs.<\/p>\n<h2>Bedrooms<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23864\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23864\" class=\"wp-image-23864 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A bedroom at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7587.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23864\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the third floor you reach the bedrooms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four, all very contemporary with mid-Century touches, luxe fixtures and fittings, some exposed concrete, and <em>en suite <\/em>bathrooms<em> \u2013 <\/em>with Roca and Laufen bathware \u2013 hidden behind reeded privacy-glass walls.<\/p>\n<h2>Round room<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23868\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23868\" class=\"wp-image-23868 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Sofa in the living room at the tower with two windows behind\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7770.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23868\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Above them the 60m<sup>2 <\/sup>circular, open-plan living room in the old tank contains a dining area, seating and a fully specified black granite and walnut kitchen; again, all in fashionable \u2013 and in keeping \u2013 mid-century style.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23873\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23873\" class=\"wp-image-23873 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Projector showing a film in the living room at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7874.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23873\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The d\u00e9cor reflects the natural and earth tones of the countryside around the Tower, in combination with clean lines, open space and the ubiquitous natural light.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The seating is restored mid-century hardwood and leather Kofod Larsen and Dyrlund pieces.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But despite the retro look, this is a room with all mod cons including a projector, audio system and built-in 20-device charging station.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23862\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23862\" class=\"wp-image-23862 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Polishing the concrete floors at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_5268.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23862\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set into the beautifully polished concrete floor is the underfloor heating. Matt laughs, \u201cWell, the curved walls weren\u2019t exactly made for radiators, were they?\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Up on the roof<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23870\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23870\" class=\"wp-image-23870 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Living room at the tower with spiral staircase to the roof\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7785.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23870\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>When I visited, I clambered up to the top of the second spiral for a sneak peek at the round roof terrace: more stunning views and exposure to the elements &#8211; but this will remain off limits to guests for now.<\/p>\n<h2>Bird watching<\/h2>\n<p>Bird watching is one of the Tower\u2019s unexpected delights: you\u2019re at the same height as birds as they fly past.<\/p>\n<p>Red kites are regular passersby, and the couple have even incorporated some swallows nesting boxes into the Tower\u2019s refurb.<\/p>\n<h2>Views over nature<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23886\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23886\" class=\"wp-image-23886 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"View from a bedroom at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8092-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23886\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The 360\u00b0 views out over the countryside stretch as far as 40 miles. On a clear day you can just see the tallest London skyscrapers on the horizon, but the real attraction is the natural world all around.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s almost disconcerting to be looking down on countryside from this bird&#8217;s eye perspective: we\u2019re only used to getting views from this high in an urban context.<\/p>\n<h2>Well connected<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23872\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23872\" class=\"wp-image-23872 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"View from the living room at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7853.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23872\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Despite its bucolic surroundings, the Tower is very well situated, just a 30-minute train ride from St Pancras; a 15-minute drive from the M25; an hour into London; and 30 minutes to Stansted and Luton.<\/p>\n<p>Far off, near the horizon, tiny planes rise and descend at the two airports.<\/p>\n<h2>Garden<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23857\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23857\" class=\"wp-image-23857 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"The tower in the evening\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_1806.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23857\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Final job to tackle is sorting out the grounds of the Tower.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019ve run a competition with nearby Capel Manor horticultural college to design the garden, and Matt reckons some kind of building is needed on the ground \u2013 for washing dogs, storing gardening equipment \u2013 and everything else you don\u2019t want to lug up the stairs.<\/p>\n<p>He adds, \u201cThe Daikin heat-pump outdoor unit is absolutely beautiful. The next thing on my \u2018to do\u2019 list was putting an enclosure round it, but, honestly, it\u2019s such a good-looking unit that I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ll bother.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Sustainability<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23889\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23889\" class=\"wp-image-23889 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Cutting holes in the concrete tank at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_8222.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Throughout, the retrofit has had a sustainability focus. Matt says earnestly, \u201cWe were really committed to the sustainability of the project.<\/p>\n<p>That was really important to us. The concept of reuse has been core to the conversion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2>Highs and lows<\/h2>\n<p>Matt reflects, \u201cIt has taken four years of very literal ups and downs, and, as one would expect, emotional ones too.<\/p>\n<p>The highs have been up high \u2013 breaking through the tank walls to gleaming beams of sunshine and countryside \u2013 and lows have been down low \u2013 digging out an 8 tonne scissor lift, from the mud, in the freezing rain, by myself.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23867\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23867\" class=\"wp-image-23867 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Dining table in the living room at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7768.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23867\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cBut overall, this project has been an absolute joy. The old water tower has more than consented to our plans and efforts \u2013 it has collaborated with them.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Its original construction, dimensions, and aesthetic have all taken the lead in our recreation, resulting in a harmonious design, without compromise.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Full of delight and dignity, it is formidable and comfortable, brutal and beautiful, thrilling and serene. We couldn\u2019t be more delighted with the result.<\/p>\n<h2>Terrific trades<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23879\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23879\" class=\"wp-image-23879 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"A workman peering through the hole in the concrete that he has just cut\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_7957.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23879\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Matt Grey<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cThe tradespeople and professionals who helped us have been, without exception, fantastic people, doing universally wonderful work with patience, kindness and dedication.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It has been an amazing journey. And now we\u2019re done. Ready to share it with the world, and we are very, very excited.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Pay a visit<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_23851\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23851\" class=\"wp-image-23851 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-700x525.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the decor in a bedroom at the tower\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-120x90.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BR3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image credit: Ed Reeve<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Tower can accommodate up to eight guests. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.co.uk\/rooms\/580082148351672176?guests=1&amp;adults=1&amp;s=67&amp;unique_share_id=3bc64c4c-dfe3-42f0-ae2f-6a36c85d508c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">It is available to book on Airbnb<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&gt;<strong>READ MORE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/accessible-and-stylish-inclusive-design\/\">Accessible and stylish \u2013 inclusive design that looks great too<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/grand-designs-live\/grand-designs-live-2025-highlights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">8 reasons to visit Grand Designs Live 2025<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/garden\/water-feature-ideas\/\">Water feature ideas for any garden\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This striking former water tower built in 1964 is now a stylish, sustainable holiday home, thanks to the hard work of owners, designers Matt and Ali Grey. Standing at 23-metre (75\u2019) high Tonwell (pronounced Tunnel) Tower is a wonderful example of Brutalist industrial design in a rural setting on the edge of a hamlet. Originally&#8230; <a class=\"view-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/\">View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":10663,"featured_media":23850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[457],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23849","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interior-design"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Ultra hip 1960s holiday home in the sky - Grand Designs Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tonwell Tower, an iconic 1960s water tower in the Hertfordshire countryside, has been converted into a stunning holiday home oozing mid-century style - where you can watch red kites at eye level as you relax in a circular living room 20 metres up in the air\u2026\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ultra hip 1960s holiday home in the sky\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Tonwell Tower, an iconic 1960s water tower in the Hertfordshire countryside, has been converted into a stunning holiday home oozing mid-century style - where you can watch red kites at eye level as you relax in a circular living room 20 metres up in the air\u2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Grand Designs Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GrandDesigns\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-28T11:18:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-02T11:29:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/DaikinTonwell-3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mary Richards\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@granddesigns\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@granddesigns\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mary Richards\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/interior-design\/tonwell-tower\/\",\"name\":\"Ultra hip 1960s holiday home in the sky - 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