The project brief also included a visitor centre but on exploring the dramatic sculptural forms of the vast copper gin stills, we believed that seeing the authentic distillation process, which follows a method devised in 1761, would make for a more interesting and memorable visitor experience. Because the use of the 10 botanicals in this process pointed us towards Britain’s heritage of botanical glasshouse structures, the project evolved into a proposal for two new glasshouses, one humid, the other dry temperate, that will emerge from the production buildings and sit within the waters of the widened river.
The Distillery has achieved a Breeam ‘outstanding’ rating for sustainability. It is the first facility in the drinks manufacturing industry to be awarded with this rating.

The site Dezeen wrote: “Bombay Sapphire Global Category Director John Burke adds: “It’s a very exciting time for the Bombay Sapphire team, especially now that we’re seeing our plan for Laverstoke Mill come into fruition. With tradition, quality and craftsmanship at the heart of the site’s heritage, we can finally look forward to opening our doors to consumers worldwide and share with them the care, skill and imagination that is infused in the spirit we produce. Bombay Sapphire gin has experienced great success and growth over the last 10 years and with the opening of the brand’s home and consumer experience, we are very optimistic for next decade.”

In February 2012, planning permission to restore Laverstoke was granted and the build process is now underway and managed by Meller Ltd, with a goal the distillery will open its doors in autumn 2013.
Meller Managing Director, Graham Cartledge adds: “Meller is proud to be leading the development of Laverstoke Mill into a world class production facility and unique visitors centre. Our expert team looks forward to delivering this exceptional project in a way that fulfills Bombay Sapphire’s brand aspirations and also the technical requirements of restoring a site with such heritage, environmental consideration and unique design.”
 
http://www.bombaysapphire.com
 
The Vessel gallery wrote:
“Bringing together architecture, art and design, Thomas Heatherwick Studio is distinguished by a passion for form, materials and processes. Founded in 1994, the studio is made up of practitioners of diverse disciplines. The team operates from a studio and workshop in London where design development, prototyping and fabrication take place under a single roof. The studio’s projects embrace architecture, planning, infrastructure, urban design, sculpture and exhibition design. Clients include Sir Terence Conran, the Japanese Buddhist Shingon-Shu sect, English Heritage, the Arts Council of England, local government, property developers and the V&A and Science Museums.”
‘I'm a three-dimensional designer. I can't describe myself more specifically than that. I'm very interested in how you create better environments for people to be in and more interesting functional spaces & places. I’ve always been interested in ideas. I was always fascinated by inventors and invention, and I think that is something that is very under-appreciated. You don't do 'invention' - that's not a topic covered in the education system - and I found that ‘invention’ was actually subjects like design, art or architecture; all separate things. So I've tried to follow a line that's in the middle of it all.