Project client…

Bassetlaw District Council

Work undertaken…

External Wall Insulation, Roof Replacement & Insulation

Property type…

Converted Pumping Station

The Project.

Tower Cottage in Rhodesia, was originally built as a pumping station for the purpose of drawing water from an underground lake. Throughout the years since, it has undergone remarkable transformations to reflect the needs of the communities at times. When the Mining village of Rhodesia was set up, the building served as a workshop for Pit House repairs during the coal mining boom, but sadly when the coal dried up, the property was left in a state of disrepair until the 1980s.

In the early 1980s, Mr. Jackson, a hobbyist renovator from Worksop, saw potential in the almost derelict building and bought it at auction for a bargain. Over the course of five years, he dedicated his spare time to restoring the cottage. Once habitable, he and his wife moved in temporarily, intending to sell the property after a few years. But more than 30 years later, they remain an integral part of the Rhodesia community, having turned Tower Cottage into their permanent home.

Challenges.

As time passed, the cottage began to show signs of wear. It became cold and inefficient, requiring significant updates to meet modern energy standards. The unique construction of the cottage - with both solid and cavity walls - posed challenges, as did the high vaulted ceiling in the lounge, which made standard loft insulation impractical.

Results.

Westville, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, developed a tailored solution. The project involved replacing the roof and insulating it from within, as well as applying external wall insulation to the solid front walls, finished with a cream render. These improvements significantly enhanced the home’s energy efficiency.

Mr and Mrs Jackson are delighted with the results and have already noticed a considerable difference in the warmth of their home. In addition to the new roof and insulation work, their property has also had solar panels fitted and an air source heat pump installed by another contractor, which will make Tower Cottage a model of energy efficiency for years to come.

Spotlight On Our People...

Stuart Ford & Chad Wright

EWI Installers

The residents were full of praise for the Westville team, especially EWI installers Stuart Ford and Chad Wright, who did an outstanding job on the front of this property, skilfully shaping it around the arched windows. As Mr Jackson put it: "The lads were spot on!"

Meet the rest of the Westville family...

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