English Water Tower Could Be Transformed
The top of a redundant water tower, located in Devon, England, could be converted into a holiday home, equipped with a glass facade pod, if plans are approved by the local council.
According to DevonLive, the design and access statement, prepared by CMA Ltd., also proposes replacing the ladder with a new staircase, and adding parking spaces at the water tower’s base.
Water Tower Holiday Home
The proposed design also specifies that the main tower will retain its character and proportions, though the design will be made more contemporary. The conversion, which includes plans for a kitchenette, a shower room, a studio and a bedroom, will also not negatively impact the surrounding area.
Abandoned water tower could be turned into Amazing Spaces-style holiday homehttps://t.co/wNqoLjGo6J
— Devon Live News (@DevonLiveNews) February 21, 2019
The steel-framed structure has reportedly been well maintained. The access ladder would be replaced with a new external steel staircase up to the tank level, and the tank would be converted into a holiday suite in the new pod. The new accommodation would have less structural loading on the steel frame than a full water tank, so the existing steel structure and its foundation can meet the needs of the proposed changes.
The water tank would be retained as the suite’s external shell; insulated walls would be installed inside. To address concerns with wind load, the design does not add any additional bulk or mass to the existing structure. It also remains imperative that the lower levels of the tower are not enclosed.
Plans also include landscaping and gravel pathways that will run out from the tower’s four corners. The East Devon District Council has yet to make a decision regarding the plan.
