This one bedroom, one bathroom home of approximately 750 square feet sits within the reimagined T Barlow Brothers Umbrella Factory, a Grade II listed building in Manchester’s Ancoats district. Once the site of craft and production, the building’s industrial spirit endures in its architecture and materials. Mechanica Residence captures that essence, celebrating the raw beauty of form, function and history within a modern living space.

The original lift shaft doors remain as a sculptural centrepiece in the living area, a tactile reminder of the building’s mechanical past. A television mounted on scaffold poles continues this narrative, blending function with artistry. Exposed metal details and robust finishes are softened by natural textures, warm lighting and carefully selected furnishings. The result is a space that feels grounded yet elevated – a home that honours its industrial roots while embodying the calm precision of contemporary design.