Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Noah Hendy
Student Spotlight featuring BArch (Hons) Architecture student Noah Hendy and his project 'Grainworks'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 21 April 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
Noah Hendy's 'Grainworks' is a music and making focused architectural project at Newark Town Lock that seeks to revitalise a semi-neglected historic industrial site by reconnecting the community with its music, cultural and industrial heritage. The timber, flood resilient design emphasises sustainability and craftsmanship, while housing performance, rehearsal, exhibition, and community spaces. Overall creating a vibrant cultural hub centred on music and making.
The Grainworks project is based at the historic industrial site of Newark Town Lock. Image by Noah Hendy.
The inspiration behind the project
Noah explains that his project was driven by a commitment to sustainable design that responds thoughtfully to site and its needs. It draws inspiration from architecture that gives back to its community, placing strong emphasis on craftsmanship and values that are often overlooked.
He adds: "A key influence was my research into architectural experience and the role of the senses in understanding space. This became a major driver in the design, leading to an exposed structure that celebrates pure timber joinery, allowing users to engage more directly with the material, texture, and construction of the building."
The project experience
Asked to sum up what it was like to work on this project, Noah told us: "At times, I found the experience challenging...but design isn’t meant to be easy. Overall it has been highly rewarding. I feel I have developed invaluable skills, not only in creating architecture that is grounded in place and purpose, but also in building key abilities that I will carry forward into professional practice."
Noah was inspired to create a space that reconnects the community with its music, cultural and industrial heritage.
Being part of NTU
Looking back over his time studying BArch (Hons) Architecture, he says:
"I have had the best three years here at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and feel that I have grown significantly as a person. My involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly as Vice President and an active committee member of the Architecture Society, has allowed me to fully engage with the community, developing valuable skills I can carry forward.
"My most memorable experiences at NTU have been the Architecture Society’s abroad trips to Prague, Budapest, and Lisbon. These visits have been incredibly inspiring for my studies, exposing me to diverse architectural styles, cultures, and environments that have influenced my approach to design."
Noah Hendy, BArch (Hons) Architecture, NTU.
Closing remarks
Noah encourages anyone thinking of following in his footsteps and studying Architecture at NTU to do so. "The teaching staff are incredibly friendly, supportive, and genuinely care about your development both inside and outside of your studies," he says. "I’ve made great memories and friendships that I will carry with me into further education and throughout my life. Thank you NTU!"
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