New Haggerston Dovecote

This tower, probaby originally a windmill converted to a dovecote around 1824, is both a scheduled ancient monument and a listed building, and stands in open countryside with spectacular views of the Cheviots. Too small to be converted to any other use, yet too important to be incorporated into a conventional house, Robin Kent Architecture and Conservation obtained full planning permission for making it the focus of a new sustainable dwelling, bringing together environmental and heritage conservation.

Featured in Grand Designs magazine, the design comprises a single storey house, with a 'green' roof and timber cladding, to enhance the height and visual dominance of the dovecote; with a glazed link and a plan that wraps around and radiates outwards from it maintaining its centrality and landmark quality. The low carbon emission dwelling will also feature enhanced levels of natural insulation, underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump and other innovative sustainable technologies.

The consultancy has obtained permission for the conversion of other ruined monuments, such as Mid Mill.