Nant Mill and Distillery

Nant Mill and Distillery is a unique site that features a blend of European heritage, agriculture and indigenous ecology within the landscape setting of Bothwell in the Tasmanian highlands. The client’s vision was to develop a new Tasmanian whiskey distillery and ‘cellar door’ experience in a restored 19th century flour mill on the historic ‘Nant’ property near the township of Bothwell.

Drawing on personal knowledge and connections to the area, the Urban Initiatives team developed the vision for the site which was pared back to reveal the layers of inherent heritage; a robust, ‘working’ landscape without obvious boundaries yet with a singular clarity of purpose. Recognising that the European heritage of the site had remained relatively ‘untouched’, the approach to the site development prioritised authenticity, while developing a stripped-back palette of robust materials, natural and sawn sandstone, recycled hardwood and black-painted mild steel framing for the necessary interventions of visitor infrastructure, and the sensitive restoration of the old ‘Mill pond’ seamlessly integrated with native aquatic planting.

Whether sheltered from the bracing chill of a highland winter or basking in the clear brilliance of autumn in the view of Wood’s Quoin, visitors are reminded of traditional materials and methods, the hand-craftsmanship and detailing present in all the landscape elements. These meld seamlessly with both the new and existing architecture. Wayfinding was carefully considered to make it intuitive rather than signage driven. The clarity of design and detailing has successfully reinforced the imagery and branding of the Nant Distillery.