Opening up The Old Mill
Transforming a dark event room into a bright space with beautiful riverside views.
At The Old Mill in Aldermaston, the river was right outside, but you could barely see it.
The room used for wedding breakfasts and events had small windows, limited natural light and little connection to its beautiful surroundings. For a family-run venue hosting such memorable occasions, there was an opportunity to create something truly special.
Summit Build brought that vision to life through structural alterations, new bifold doors, riverside decking and a complete interior finish.
A historic building. A carefully considered transformation.
Working with an old building brings challenges that demand experience, patience and attention to detail. Creating a large opening for bifold doors meant carefully altering the existing wall while maintaining the support it needed.
We installed a structural steel beam to support the masonry above the new opening. This was a crucial part of the project: the work behind the finished surfaces that made the transformation possible.
With the steel in place, we installed the bifold doors, replacing a restricted outlook with generous glazing and a direct connection to the riverside.
The difference was immediate. More daylight, a beautiful view and a room that felt open to the setting around it.
Bringing the river into the celebration
The new doors were only part of the story.
Outside, we installed decking to create a space where guests could gather, enjoy a drink and take in the river. A glass balustrade finished the area, keeping the outlook clear and allowing the surroundings to remain the focal point.
Together, the doors, decking and balustrade created a natural connection between the event room and the outdoors. Guests could now move between the two spaces, making the riverside part of the celebration rather than a view hidden behind a wall.
For wedding breakfasts and events, it opened up fresh possibilities for how the space could be enjoyed.
Finishing the room, down to the lighting
Inside, we completed plastering and painting to bring the altered space together, creating a fresh finish around the new opening.
We also installed spotlights, adding lighting for the room as celebrations move from daylight into the evening.
Each element contributed to the finished result. The structural work enabled the change, the bifold doors brought in light and views, and the interior finishes gave the room a cohesive feel.
This was a transformation that went well beyond fitting new doors. It brought structure, outdoor space, lighting and decoration together to improve the whole experience of the room.
A beautiful setting, finally in view
The finished space is brighter, more inviting and connected to the river that makes The Old Mill such a special place.
For the venue, the renovation made more of an existing room and created an additional outdoor area for guests to enjoy. For Summit Build, it demonstrates our ability to take on detailed work in older buildings and carry it through to the final finish.
From the steel supporting the wall to the spotlights overhead, we brought every part of the transformation together.
What could your space become?
Whether you’re renovating a venue, opening up an older building or creating an outdoor area for your customers, we can help turn your ideas into a finished space.
Talk to Summit Build about your next project. We’re the ones who get it done.
