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| Sector |
Housing, private |
| Project type |
Refurbishment |
| Services provided |
Product / system supply |
| Year completed |
2017 |
| Project location |
West Midlands |
| Client |
Alan Chapman |
| Contractor |
Jackson Build Solutions |
| Products used |
Premium Grade Turf |
Alan Chapman first saw the windmill for sale in November 2013. Dating from circa 1790, the property was built using Blue Lias stone which would have been locally sourced. It had been partly renovated but Alan instantly saw its potential as a home.
The main part of the windmill was already habitable and was where Alan and partner Christina lived whilst the majority of the works went ahead.
Because the windmill was situated on the side of a hill, its original construction included a grass mound to allow easy access to the first floor. Alan’s idea was to replace the grass mound with a semi-sunken circular extension.
The original mound has been replaced by a living green roof. It’s at the same height and positioning thus minimising the impact of the new extension on the windmill. In fact the change is hardly noticeable. Which is probably the main reason that Alan and Christina were able to obtain planning permission.
Harrowden supplied their premium grade turf to the project. It sits on top of 200mm of screened topsoil over a 20mm drainage layer, waterproofing, insulation and vapour control barrier. All supported by a steel structure with a block and beam infill.
Access to the roof is excellent and so the turf will be maintained exactly like a garden lawn.
Now finished, the extension has 200m2 of living space and sits 90cm below the original basement floor. It houses a kitchen, bathroom, 3 bedrooms and a huge living area. The previous basement room has become Alan’s man-cave.
Alan and partner Christina plan to rent the windmill out as holiday accommodation. The views from the top are spectacular – particularly after dark when there is an uninterrupted view of the night sky.
