Wetherdown Lodge

Wetherdown Lodge will never win any architectural awards. Indeed this ex-naval accommodation is typical of many utilitarian buildings of the 1960s which have since been torn down and rebuilt.

However, it's fundamental to our ethos that we first try to work with resources, rather than dispose of them. We also saw the potential for creating excellent new accommodation for people visiting the Centre, enabling them to spend longer with us. We therefore took the decision to embark on a total refurbishment, and create a model of sustainability in the process.

The refurbished Wetherdown Lodge features:

• A biomass boiler (wood chip fuel)

  This provides all the hostel's heating and hot water. The wood chip fuel is supplied from our woodlands and is 100% renewable.

• Sustainable external wood

  All of the external wood cladding and window frames are made from softwood from sustainably managed forests.

• A marmoleum floor

  This floor lining is made from the natural materials of linseed oil, jute and chalk, and is very hard wearing.

• Photovoltaic cells

  These cells collect light energy and convert it into electricity which directly feeds the hostel. The cells are an actual part of the roof as they integrate with the roof tiles.

• A pitched roof with thermafleece insulation

  The original roof was flat. By altering this to a pitched roof and then insulating it, we increase the energy efficiency and retain heat in the hostel. The thermafleece lining is sheep's wool which is much less hazardous to lay, and also biodegradable when it needs to be discarded.

• Recycled paint

  Most of the internal paint has been kindly donated by B&Q. This paint was un-saleable due to dented tins or other faults and would have been disposed of at landfill. As we redecorate we are using water based eco-paints.

• Triple-glazed windows

  Having three panes of glass increases the energy efficiency of the buildings and keeps heat in the hostel.

What we've achieved

The project has given an existing resource a new lease of life, as well as provided the Centre with an important asset. Crucially, our sustainable energy solutions have reduced energy consumption by a remarkable 80%. Much of the lodge's remaining energy needs are supplied by renewable energy.

Equally important is that Wetherdown Lodge shows what could be achieved with thousands of other schools, community centres, public buildings and housing. We have proved that it is more cost-effective, and clearly more sustainable, to improve rather than demolish.

This project has received support from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.