 Once the project gets started this page will be dedicated to the complete history of the Arts & Crafts Eco Project from it's initial concept, to planning, & it's entire construction, right through to the finished works, detailing how we will have achieved sustainable energy by building in an eco friendly way to protect our environment & how this project will in time save money which can be invested back into the working man's pocket.
INTRODUCTION Holton Sawmills, just bordering Halesworth Conservation Area, lies to the South of Sandy Lane set behind the village. The site is flanked by Holton Post Mill in the South West corner and small industrial site to the South East. HISTORY The Sawmill site was used as a wartime flint quarry, active until 1949. In 1951 permission was granted for a factory, storage and sawmill with a bungalow for the owner. The power plant for the factory was housed in a 70' x 35' barn, a simply constructed timber frame, clad in tin. A smaller tin barn 26' x 22' also remains. Large concrete standings indicate that heavy machinery stood in both barns. Various other stores and garages are connected to a 25' x 25' tin barn, originally the old sawmill's workshop, all of these built between 1951 & 1952. They are shown on the site survey map below.  In 1969 an engineering firm purchased the site. The workshops were used for dismantling and storage of machinery prior to export as well as for storage of building materials and a container park. From 1980 to 1987 it was used as a garage for car repairs. A portacabin was introduced to provide accommodation for workers on site. In 1984 planning permission was granted for the making, repairing, storing & selling of pallets, in 1989 further planning was approve for a 60' x 60' pre cast ''Atcost" concrete portal frame building for the pallet business. The family business ceased at the end of the 1990s leaving the concrete framed building in a half finished state, the land lying dormant and the other buildings falling into disrepair.  SUSTAINABLE DESIGN The site has been selected for its beautiful nature, the intention is to protect this natural environment whilst providing some urban regeneration, all be it small scale. The building is warehouse storage for Arts and Crafts antiques. This is currently housed in the centre of Southwold at Dome Antiques where visitors can drop in to see the crowded range of furniture. Although not a showroom, buyers can arrange viewings with the owner on site. There are rarely more than three or four visitors at once. The owner has an office on site to run his business from. This project will bring activity to the area and enhance it. In preparing the design for this project Waveney Core strategy (2009), PPS7, PPS1 and PPS13 have all been considered, along with other peripheral guidelines. The proposal ensures that sustainable development practices are followed, as closely as possible, all building materials are responsibly sourced, timber FSC guaranteed. The land has no need of remediation and is safe for development. The re-use of the existing structures reduces any negative impact on the local environment. The design aims utilise natural resources and keep carbon emissions to a minimum through the use of solar thermal panels and Photovoltaic panels fitted over the extensive roof. Although orientated east-west the size and open sky allows for good solar collection. Rainwater will be harvested (SUDS) as required on site or allowed to soak back into the ground through a soak-away system that was permitted with the original development. Natural infiltration to the site allows the water to drain directly into the ground at present but the extended roof requires implementation of the original soak-away. Rainwater harvesting devices will reduce any impact onto the mains water supply. A self-composting WC will serve the building. Bore-hole technology is being investigated now and if there is a successful outcome it will be used to supply water to the existing bungalow and the warehouse building. OUTLINE The proposal is of minimal impact on the area. The portal frame is already in place and the whole site set behind the main village hidden from view. The ‘Atcost’ barn is revived with wings extended by 5m to each side elevation providing a large storage area for antique furniture. A first floor is introduced in the main area with a large atrium style balcony in the centre allowing light to penetrate from the roof lights above. The main pedestrian entrance to the building is set in the east wing that has a sheltered canopy along the full length. This entrance opens onto a staircase to the first floor. An office with a WC is in this wing. The overall area will be unheated although the office will be well insulated and have electric under-floor heating powered by photovoltaic panels fitted on the roof. To make use of the concrete portal structure a timber frame is inserted. Larch boards clad the exterior with birch faced ply panels fixed to the inside; Celotex insulation is fixed into the void (with air gap and vapour barrier) to maintain an ambient temperature throughout. The ground floor is a smooth float finished concrete surface throughout. Glue-laminated post and beam grid system provides a consistent internal environment supporting the first floor, finished with oak boarding. This allows for easy re-distribution of the internal spaces with no fixed walls. Stairs to the first floor are steel and timber, banisters and balcony guard toughened glass. A secondary stair is added behind the north goods entrance providing a safe exit in case of fire, leading to rolling doors. A fire exit is also added in the south end and access to the west wing at the north end. These provide ample escape routes for any visitors. The roof has up to 20% patent glazing to provide natural light to the floors below, reducing the need for electric lighting, and carbon emissions considerably. The roof –standing seam composite panels, is broken up with aluminium framed glazing units and Monodraught ventilation stacks (GRP 900 Square Windcatcher) for passive ventilation. Photovoltaic panels are fitted to the surface and provide power to the warehouse as well as feeding back in to the national grid. The glazed portion over the entrance acts as an atrium and the warm air will be drawn into the building. The lighting schemes are planned to feed from the stored solar supplies. All lights will have low energy bulbs and be directed downwards. Security lighting uses ‘Passive Infra Red Sensors’ (PIR) with downward orientation to reduce any light pollution and minimise time burning electricity. ACCESS An existing hardcore roadway leads from Sandy Lane into the site. This still remains, still solid and usable for heavy vehicles. The ground has plenty of flint within, the route was constructed to support heavy vehicles approaching the sawmills. The proposal is to retain this. Should any alterations to this surface be required (the current thought is that it will not be necessary to change it) the opportunity will be taken to introduce a natural finish of locally sourced stone to compliment the surroundings and allow for the rainwater to run back into the soil. The site is naturally well drained. In addition the improved access allows for easy pedestrian and disabled access with a new footpath adjacent to the driveway. Bicycle stands are fitted beneath the canopy by the entrance on the east elevation. Storage for recycling and landfill waste is fitted beneath the canopy, moved to gateway for municipal clearance. A composting unit is available on site in the garden area. The local transport system (bus route 511) within 5 minutes walk.        |
