Sustainable Holiday Cottage Extension

This listed salmon watch tower and adjoining donkey shed on a remote part of the Northumberland coast were derelict when purchased by the current owner, who painstakingly restored them to provide a very small holiday cottage. However, as the property has never had mains electricity or water, a private borehole water supply had to be formed, with a woodburning stove providing the only source of heating. Various strategies for powering the pump to supply water from the borehole and supply lighting have been tried, including photovoltaic panels; some years ago permission was granted for a wind generator mounted on the tower, but after this was blown down in a gale, a diesel generator had to be used.

A review of renewable energy options was part of the recent extension designed by Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation. This provides a much needed draught lobby, downstairs bedroom, sunroom (providing passive solar gain) and wc; the design preserves the utilitarian character of the building and leaves the tower as the dominant feature. Clad with timber boarding in a style typical of local fishing huts, the extension contrasts with the listed building to preserve its visual integrity. The design included sheep's wool insulation, solar water heating, underfloor heating and rainwater harvesting to reduce the load on the borehole; the owner has gone on to install an unobtrusive new wind generator and air-source heat pump to make the improved cottage more sustainable and liveable.