Loading document...
The Sartfell cottage and surround land has been owned by Dr Peter Lillywhite since January 2013 and have set up a company - 'Sartfell Education & Tourism Ltd' - to undertake the restoration of the site. Dr Lillywhite and his partner Carole Melaugh have been living in the cottage for the past year and Sartfell Cottage is their primary residence. Having a strong interest in ecology and the environment their aspiration is to restore (and improve) the sites natural ecologically and create a more sustainable and environmentally positive place to live / way of living.
Before being owned by Dr Lillywhite the site was used for agricultural purposes and to keep horses. Consequently there have been detrimental impacts on the natural landscape and development on the site has been sporadic and of poor quality.
The proposed improvements to the site include:
The cottage is a local iconic structure and a very good example of a traditional Manx cottage. However, it currently has a series of badly built extensions to the rear which are proposed to be removed to restore it to its original state. The cottage will then be refurbished to improve its environmental performance and its comfort. Many of the traditional structures on the Isle of Man have fallen into disrepair (evident by the number of 'tholtons'). The project looks to protect the cottage from disrepair by ensuring its suitability for long term and sustainable use into the future.
The cottage is already too small for modern living standards / expectations and further removing these extensions creates the requirement for the new extension. Both the new extension and the original cottage will be intrinsically linked.
The accommodation provided in the proposal will provide for the living requirements for the applicants and will allow the cottage rooms to be let out to tourists visiting the site who wish to stay overnight (see 'tourism benefits' p.7).
A major design consideration of the new extension is to improve the views to the Manx cottage - aided by removing the existing garage. The proposed new extension is very sensitive to how it connects the original cottage and how it minimises its impact when viewed from the road side and the surrounding landscape.
The new extension combined with the refurbished cottage will not only provide the required living space but will also allow occupants to live in a more environmentally sustainable way. The proposal will be at the forefront of integrated sustainable technologies and design - taking advantage of the sites orientation and the natural resources to allow it to be fully sustainable and zero carbon - intended to reach the equivalent of Code 6 (Code for Sustainable Homes) in terms of energy use. It will reduce the cottages Co2 emissions by 77%.
As part of achieving the desired sustainability credentials there are a number of site additions to support the cottages operation. The cottage currently relies on oil for its heating and mains electricity and water. The integration of wind, solar and geo-thermal technologies will reduce the requirement for these outside sources (see 'appendix B for details). The addition of dedicated growing spaces will also allow more self-sufficiency for food production too.
A planting and ecology strategy for the whole site - including the development of trout lakes, re landscaping, tree planting etc (see site strategy plan) - has been developed through the applicants working with the Manx Wildlife Trust and in response to the 'Isle of Man Biodiversity Strategy'. The sites ecology will be one of the main attractions for visitors to the site. Each building will continue this strategy through implementation of specialist habitats within there fabric. From biodiversity green roofs for plant life and insects to bird boxes within sheltered dry stone walling the buildings will promote the implementation of Isle of Man Biodiversity Strategy
A separate visitor centre is intended to provide a small space dedicated to facilitate the education and tourism aspects of the project. Planning permission for this structure will be sort in a separate planning application. The existing lower stables will be reconfigured and contain a small library, exhibition space / teaching space, kitchenette and composting toilet. The applicants hope to attract a range of tourists to the site - including schoolchildren along with visiting adults - who wish to learn and experience the natural attractions of the site (ecology, wildlife, night sky...).
Sartfell Education & Tourism Limited has been set up by the owner of the property - Peter Lillywhite - to manage the property known as Sartfell for the purposes of education and tourism.
The first step is to repair the land and its ecology, as well as the Cottage, which is of historical and heritage value. The second step is to provide facilities to enable visitors to learn about and enjoy the natural history and human heritage value of this site in particular and the Isle of Man generally.
The target visitors include schoolchildren, academics and eco-tourists, as well as general tourists who visit the Isle of Man for varied reasons, including to watch the TT races. The third and on-going challenge is to manage the property in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner.
In order to satisfy these objectives and ensure they are aligned with the Manx Government objectives and local cultural imperatives and sensitivities, the owner managers of the site - Peter Lillywhite and Carole Melaugh - have consulted widely with relevant organisations and community leaders, as well as visiting key sites of Manx heritage.
These consultations and visits include:
The vision for this project is to take this former agricultural small holding and return it back to its original wildlife state for the benefit of tourism and to be an exemplary development for the MANX BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY.
The applicants - Peter Lillywhite & Carole Melaugh have been working with the MANX WILDLIFE TRUST since they bought the property in January 2013 and will continue to use them as their Manx ecological consultants. Open to local visitors, tourists, school children and working along side the Wildlife trust this site will become a destination to observe close up and learn about MANX natural history, geology, history and culture.
Set within this location with its meadows, acid bogs, sensitive ECO dwelling and restored historic MANX cottage all tourists, students and school children will be able to discover and learn how people can coexist with wildlife and restore damaged wildlife areas, whilst being energy efficient and sensitive to 21st century challenges.
In summary this location will become a destination for eco-tourism and become an exemplary project of how to repair damaged sites on the island, transforming unsustainable man made environments into native wildlife reserves. Architecture and nature will work in harmony.
Working closely with the MANX wildlife trust the ambition for this site is to develop a centre for visitors to observe wildlife and provide overnight accommodation. To pursue the values and ideals set out in the draft document (Managing our natural wealth to 2020 THE ISLE OF MAN'S FIRST BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 2013) to do with restoring, preserving and repairing the countryside for visitors all year round.
Both the historic and contemporary architecture will also form part of the attraction to this site. This cottage will be restored to its original form and visitors can witness this rural building at first hand and be able to spend the night. It would also be attractive to visitors to the world famous Isle of Man races, especially the TT. To counter the cottage's visual presence on the landscape will be the new dwelling, which will highlight latest sustainable building technologies whilst at the same offering a restored wildlife setting to improve the sites biodiversity.
This centre will link up with other wildlife centres within the Isle of Man and internationally increasing awareness of the MANX wildlife and promoting further visitors to the island. It may well also be of interest to academics who appreciate the remarkable human, political and natural history of the Island.
This site will become a ground-breaking approach to rural development and the promotion of biodiversity to the benefit of tourism and the Isle of Man. In summary, we are developing a strategy to tap three main markets:
The protection and restoration of the biodiversity on this site is central to the Isle of Man's 21st century's strategic plans. This site will be a focused demonstration of this policy, however, it will also provide a direct benefit to local people, schools and tourists.
Management and ongoing development of the site will provide employment. Where possible local trades and craftsmen will be used. In keeping with the philosophy of the environmental ambition for this project materials will be sourced from local suppliers and manufactures.
Providing a new facility on the island will link to other ecology sites across the world and increase awareness of the Isle of Man encouraging further visitors and investors.
This project gathers together many aspects, which as a whole has the potential of providing a sustainable economic benefit. For clarity we list these below:
The applicants have been working closely with the Manx Wildlife Trust (in particular Andree Dubbeldam) to develop the projects place within the wider Manx Biodiversity Strategy (.drub - 'Managing our Natural Wealth to 2020 - The Isle of Man's First Biodiversity Strategy'). The project aspires to become one of the key sites within the Isle of Man for the conservation and development of biodiversity.
From the strategy document, some of the key relevant points that will be integrated are below:
A planting, landscape and ecology strategy for the site is attached on the Site Masteplan drawing. Along with a substantial planting strategy the sites landscape will also be repaired - repairing the sterile land of the menage, clearing the neglected drainage ditches and removing the non-native plants that have been allowed to take over through the sites previous neglect.
The applicants also plan to host beehives, bird boxes, and hopefully bat roosts (this awaits further consultation with the Manx Bat Group). Sartfell is particularly replete with birds including nesting Curlews, Peregrine falcons, Kestrels, Ravens, Hooded Crows, Rooks, Jackdaws, Robins, Siskins, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, House Sparrows, Stonechats, Blackbirds, nesting Swallows, etc. These wildlife will be further encouraged by the sites restoration.
A further plan to put in ponds as well as a native plant regeneration plan will be put in place with the approval and assistance of the ecological consultant, Andree Dubbeldam of the Manx Wildlife Trust. This will be very important to encouraging amphibians, reptiles, and a host of aquatic plants and animals to add to the fish and other aquatic life in the river that runs through the property
The Sartfell Education & Tourism Ltd was set up by Peter Lillywhite & Carole Melaugh to deliver this project:
Biological scientist – Undergraduate at Downing College Cambridge 1972-1975 reading Natural Science, specialising in Zoology; PhD Student at the Australian National University (1975-1978); Post-Doctoral student at St John's College, Cambridge (1978-1979), whilst also holding the Rank Fellowship in optoelectronics; Research Fellow of Girton College (1979-1980), Cambridge; University Lecturer at Sheffield University in Experimental Zoology 1980-1982; Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University 1981.
Subsequently a Management Consultant, running a successful global consultancy in the UK, Australia, Asia Pacific and Scandinavia, including periods as a partner in Andersen Consulting and Managing Principal IBM Asia Pacific.
Lifetime member of RSPB; Manx Wildlife Trust member; Landmark Trust Member. Lifelong supporter of preservation and conservation of wild life.
Pete's management consultancy and Carole's education background will support the centre and keep it viable financially. In accordance with biodiversity strategy we wish to expand tourist interests beyond the TT races, with a visitor centre which will increase knowledge and understanding of acid bog land and conservation of natural environment, repairing the land to its former status.
Carole is committed to conservation and improving the natural history of the Isle of Man. Along with Peter, Carole is a member of the Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx Heritage Trust in the Isle of Man. Since moving to Sartfell Cottage both Peter and Carole have encouraged a dialogue with Andree Dunbeldam and we have sown their first lot of natural seed, to encourage a meadow in the paddocks laid bare by donkeys, and have commenced removal of excess soil nitrogen to repair the native acid soil and attract back lost natural history. However, the 7.5 acre property is replete with wildlife including orchids, aspen trees, a denuded, but fairly complete set of native plants, birds and animals.
Carole's background is in medicine and education. Carole has a solid experience as a Nurse, qualifying as a State Registered Nurse specialising in Accident and Emergency medicine. After raising a family, Carole went into Nursery care, qualifying as a Nursery carer with training in Learning through Play. Carole's most recent experience is also in Education, promoting pupil progress through infant, junior and senior school within the school environment. Carole is an experienced diver, taking part in projects to support sea life and monitoring crustaceans at popular diving sites in England.
Partnering Peter has allowed Carole to expand her interests in ornithology and wild flower gardening. Carole's plan is to start keeping bees, so that the meadow currently being laid down can be utilised as a food source and to encourage insects to provide a food source for the very varied bird life appearing on the property. The Isle of Man is a globally important bee repository, due to its ecological isolation that has kept the native bees disease-free.
Peter and Carole are currently keeping (an impressive) record of birds that have visited the site and will use this data to plan the surrounding area to maximise the area to encourage visiting birds. They would like this to include some linked ponds to attract water birds and other native aquatic wildlife. This has been discussed with the Manx Wildlife Trust who have approved the idea in principle.
Our practice has a research based approach that forms the seed for every design. Its purpose is to look into the soul of a place or building and to establish an intimate understanding. The working process is an artistic endeavour that is focused on producing architecture that engages, excites and inspires.
Prior to becoming architects we worked in crafts and product design fields so we take great care to understand how things are made to realise our architecture.
The ambition is to extend the local narrative to produce meaningful spaces and buildings that have an intrinsic relationship with their surroundings and create a sense of belonging.
In many ways modern life has eroded what was a symbiotic relationship between humans and the earth. We want to address this disconnection through our work and explore the ways in which architecture can engage with the environment and leave a sustainable legacy.
We have been successfully employing this approach on various sites across the UK and around the world. Such as:
Great Fen Visitor's Centre:
Observing the sheds and other agricultural buildings in this flat, open landscape we realised that a building doesn't have to be big or high to make an impact. The building's mass has been influenced by this with its horizontal form hovering above the ground.
The buildings structure & skin create a semi permeable lattice roof that draws on the delicate form of the common Crane's wings. The roof is a protective shell that defines a series of spaces which provide different spatial experiences, allowing the landscape to be enjoyed in a number of different ways such as via the glazed cafe or the third floor observation decks. The roof also becomes an environment for cohabitation and appropriation, encouraging a symbiotic relationship between the building and the local environment.
Beneath the roof inhabited 'nests' provide accommodation. The nests include the cafe, toilets, meeting spaces, ancillary spaces and storage. Only the nests are serviced and heated in order to minimise the environmental impact of the building and the servicing requirements.
Maintaining and preserving this environment is paramount so we needed to create a building that provided a sustainable, low impact, architectural legacy.
Our design was shortlisted for the RIBA Great Fen open competition in early 2012.
We are a multidisciplinary company with backgrounds in engineering, architecture and environmental science, working as consultants for individual buildings, large developments and masterplans. Our diverse backgrounds and in-depth technical knowledge position us to provide exceptional solutions design teams and clients, working as lead consultants, engineers or sustainability champions overseeing the client's project goals.
We pride ourselves in using a soft yet technical approach that measures and quantifies the benefits of our proposals, and communicating our strategies to project teams in a clear and accessible manner.
We strive to be in tune with our clients' needs and sustainability ambitions and to carry out detailed analysis of a range of options to meet their project goals.
Our aim is to engage with design teams and clients at an early stage to develop buildings that respond to their local environments. In particular we advise on passive design measures to minimise the carbon impact of new buildings as well as ensuring sensitive environments are appropriately addressed.
Some example projects we have worked on include:
Fishing Lodge - Fiag, Scotland
Fiag Lodge in Scotland, is a fishing lodge set into the Scottish hillside moors with a blanket of earth and local vegetation covering the lodge and associated boathouse. This feature provides an additional layer of warmth to the building whilst integrating the lodge sympathetically in the location. The completed project has a hydroelectric turbine, is earth-coupled, solar shaded in summer and uses low-embodied energy materials.
Lilymere House - Lake District, England
Lilymere House is a zero carbon home set in 1500 acres of estate next to the Lilymere lake. The site is composed of plantation woodland, moorland, tenant farmland and a 36 acre lake. The home has been partially sunken and is designed to passively respond to the environment. The development utilises a ground source heat pump and a biomass wood chip boiler for heat whilst generating electricity through photovoltaic solar panels. As part of the development a large area of semi-improved grassland will be transformed into a wildflower meadow.
Conisbee have wide ranging experience of architectural and green projects that is relevant to the scheme for Sartfell Cottage. There are a number of projects which have similar architectural and green aspirations and demonstrate that we have the right blend of skills to make the project a success. For example:
Wing House is a bespoke, new-build, modern house with associated landscape works for a private client. The internal house layout, of around 340 sq m, is designed to be flexible and adaptable allowing for the changing lifestyle of a growing family and reducing the need for further extensions in the future. As structural engineer, we made innovative use of Stepoc reinforced blockwork structural walls to provide an economic way of forming the double-height open spaces, and dispensing with the need for a steel frame.
A large solid dry stone wall acts as a thermal buffer facing north west and using the local iron stone. This is countered by large glazed walls and roof overhangs to the south and south-east aspects which provide solar gain in winter and good natural light and ventilation. The courtyard offers dual aspect to principle living spaces and good cross ventilation.
Proposed Team:
Tom Beaven - Director BEng (Hons) CEng M1StructE
With his specialist knowledge of the education, health and residential sectors, Tom has contributed to a wide range of new-build and refurbishment projects. Tom has worked on numerous projects with difficult site constraints including tunnels, railways, and sewers and is experienced in leading clients through the sometimes complex approval processes of the various statutory bodies.
His residential sector experience ranges from the design of architecturally bespoke one-off houses, conversions, extensions (including basements) and alterations to existing buildings, through to developer and contractor-led multistorey apartment schemes for private and public clients.
BEng (Hons) CEng MICE M1StructE
Allan's experience spans many key sectors including residential, commercial, arts and culture and education.
Allan has longstanding working relationships with a number of high-profile / design-led architectural practices. He collaborates closely with them to fully realise the architectural intent of their projects. His prizewinning projects include the Laban Dance Centre with architect Herzog and De Meuron which won the Stirling Prize in 2003 and St Marylebone School Performing Arts Faculty which won a RIBA National award 2008, and Concrete Society best building award 2008. Lowther Children's Centre also won a RIBA award in 2010 and the Artist's House; a private residential scheme, won the Stephen Lawrence prize in 2010.
As the island's leading nature conservation charity, we work hard to protection of our island's precious, unique environment, both on the land and in the seas that surround us.
We aim to inform and educate individuals, families, companies, landowners, politicians and government departments about the importance of our wildlife and natural habitats, and the urgent need to cherish and protect them.
We promote the protection of our flora too. From wildflowers to ancient woodlands, we study them and, through our own nursery, work to ensure species continue to thrive throughout the island.
We organise talks, walks and informative, fun events which are all open to members and non-members alike.
Our education team provides environmental education to schools and raises awareness of the island's natural environment to through local community-based events.
The proposed view from the road
The proposal removes the existing poor quality extension to the cottage and replaces it with a more discrete and visibly separate one. The new design provides enough accommodation for the part of the cottage to be let out to guests / tourists whilst allowing the current owners to stay independently in the dwelling. The design is for a single dwelling with a dual function for tourism and private residential use.
A single storey link between the cottage and the extension provides a dining space and disabled bathroom for use by guests. Contained within the rest of the ground floor is a new kitchen, dining space, living room, and a observation mezzanine within roof space. Below this, sunk into the landscape, are then additional bedrooms and auxiliary service spaces. Directly attached to the dwelling is a new garage and workshop with WC/Mud room, however this building also has another function providing wood and water storage for the dwelling.
One of the key aspirations of the project is to restore the cottage to its original form and reinforce its presence on the site. To achieve this the extension is designed to minimise its visual impact on the cottage. The bulk and mass of the extension is broken up into parts each one being similar size to the existing cottage. The new extension is at a lower level to the existing cottage and is visually separated from it. Views of the extension from the road have been minimised by burying the extension into the hillside and covering it with a biodivers green roof.
The design has been inspired by the vernacular architecture on the Island. In particular the historical development of farmland cottages has informed the design to the extension. In many of these historical farms the development of the buildings is defined and integrated with the sites boundary walls. These walls provide part of the external enclosing walls as well as integrating the boundary walls. Other structures and spaces are contained or defined within this sequence of walls (see image below - taken from 'Rural Architecture in the North of the Isle of Man, 2001). The proposed scheme uses the boundary wall narrative to define the building and enclose it. They provide shelter from the harsh prevailing weather as well as defining external boundaries.
The proposal uses the proportions of the original cottage to help define the dimensions of the extension. The scale and width of traditional Manx structures is fairly ubiquitous (related to their construction) with both the cottages and their outbuildings. The proposal takes these proportions and uses it to help define the visible ends of the extension. This helps it to sit comfortably next to the original cottage and prevents the scales visually competing.
The location of the extension is sited to promote the iconic nature of the cottage within this location. Three dimensional massing studies have been undertaken to make ensure the cottages presence on Sartfell is improved by this proposal. The extension is subordinate to the cottage in visual presence and material finishes. The proposal when viewed from the road in both directions provides a clearer view of the restored MANX cottage while the new extension is barely seen due lower level and biodivers green roof finishes.
Key views toward the sea in the West and over the valley to the South have been one of the main driving forces behind the orientation of the new extension. The creation of the 'Alice Rose Lillywhite Memorial Garden' - centred around the existing Ash tree - has also been an important feature that the proposed extension focuses around.
Further design constraints have been related to ensuring the environmental performance of the proposal. Foster Lomas have been working closely with environmental consultants XCo2 to create a design that exploits the natural environmental conditions on site and to maximises the buildings efficiency.
Image: traditional Manx cottage and outbuildings - expressing the development over time. Taken from 'Rural Architecture in the North of the Isle of Man, 2001'
A simple limited palette of materials is intended to visibly distinguish the new extension from the existing white render and slate cottage. Stone, concrete, copper and glass are reflected in the external finishes with aluminium faced timber windows. Timber is incorporated to soften the interior.
Material inspiration comes from this site and the local area use of stone. Local slate is evident as boundary walls, buildings and ruins around the local area. It has a sense of permanence that reflects the projects aspirations. The extension has been designed to have a long life span to join the evident longevity of the stone built cottage.
Whereas the cottage appears as built on top of the ground, the new extension is designed to appear to be buried and break out of the landscape. The stone has a natural aesthetic to suit this direct contact with the ground - being often seen laid directly on the ground in boundary walls etc.
Prevailing weather conditions on site have also driven the choice of stone as the main facade material. Strong wind and driving rain bombard the sloping site and a robust finish is desired that will not only confront these conditions but positively weather with them. Environmentally, the use of local stone is also a suitable option as it has a very low embodied energy and will potentially be recycled from former buildings in the area. The thermal mass of the stone will also help the environmental performance of the cottage.
The use of concrete for the main structural frame of the building similarly is suited to a long life span. It also performs very well with the integrated geo-thermal technologies (ground source heating) to allow the building to retain a comfortable diurnal and seasonal temperature - improving further its environmental performance.
Biodivers green roofs cover the building to help it blend into the landscape when viewed from the road and surrounding fields. The roofs will have a considerable depth to allow a meaningful local ecology to develop on them. The building will therefore have as little visual impact as possible and will reinforce the prominence of the white rendered original cottage. The thermal mass of the structure plus green roofs will again assist the heat retention of the building and improve its environmental credentials.
Existing approach view from road
Proposed approach view from road
Existing rear view from road
Proposed rear view from road
17
Copyright in submitted documents remains with their authors. Request removal
