Block House
A challenging proposal for the retention, retrofitting and extension of a previously converted WWII watchtower. The proposal extend an existing dwelling, whilst also reconfiguring the existing layout in order to create a sustainable, thermally efficient, environmentally friendly home, utilising environmentally sustainable construction.
Client
Private Client
Year
Planning 2024
Retrofit first
Design on a tight budget
We believe that sustainability shouldn’t be just a ‘bolt-on’ but a fundamental part of the construction strategy. Despite a positive pre-app to demolish the tower, we advised the client to retain the tower, avoiding the huge carbon emissions associated with demolition and replacement of the structure, and retaining an important local historical structure.
The concrete tower is constructed of 500mm thick concrete with concrete floors and limited openings. The challenge was to find ways to retain and retrofit the tower, whilst still providing a striking, fit-for- purpose, energy efficient home that the site deserves.
A further challenge was to dramatically increase the floor area of the house on a very tight budget. The most cost-effective way to do this was to propose a new timber framed extension that wraps around the existing tower. The new extension allows larger windows to be included in positions offering the best views, whilst minimising construction cost.
The tower is located within a wooded site. The entrance journey is an important part of the user experience of the building. The visitor approaches along a tree-lined forest path, towards the rear of the tower which blocks any view of the sea. The entrance is through a low overhanging entrance into the base of the tower. Ascending up the staircase, the view opens up offering visual release and far reaching views across the Bristol Channel.
Low quality additions will be removed and the concrete tower stripped back and retained. New external insulation and render wrap the tower to provide a new thermally efficient home. Side and roof extensions provide larger living areas with windows positioned to take advantage of the sea views
Watchtower Architecture
The project forced us to consider what is an appropriate architecture for a watchtower. The new additions are expressed in a utilitarian cladding, avoiding traditional or domestic details. The choice of materials reflects the utilitarian military buildings that were on the site, and the reflective metal cladding will give a distorted reflection of the surrounding trees and sky, helping to ground the building in its context. The original concrete structure will be concealed externally, but by using a simple material palette that delineates old and new, the tower’s story remains.
