Wetherdown Lodge
​Stage 1

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.

Features of the Refurbished Wetherdown Lodge
  • A biomass boiler (wood chip fuel) This provides all the hostel's heating and hot water. The wood chip fuel is supplied from nearby 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 Lodge. 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 Lodge. 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. 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 Have 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.

South Downs Eco Lodge
​Stage 2

As many of our regular visitors will know, one wing of our eco-hostel (formerly an accommodation block for HMS Mercury) has been awaiting transformation since 1995. We have decided that it deserves to take priority in our building transformation programme, so that more school children can come and stay here.

We have been working on detailed plans for the past few months and hope to start early in 2020.
 
This new wing will have 12 new ensuite rooms; a specially fitted room for wheelchair users; a ‘changing places’ toilet; a kitchen, a common room and a staff flat.

The outside will be clad with western red cedar from a local plantation and a new ground-source heat pump will contribute to an overall carbon saving of over 50%.​
​​Our programme of ‘learning alongside the build’ will create opportunities for training in eco-build techniques for many, including young people as part of their apprenticeship.

​Thank you to all those who have contributed to our fundraising. We have already raised an amazing £682,000 and have a few funding bids under consideration. With the help of our supporters we are confident of reaching our total of £925,000 in time.