Renovating two fishing huts in Dorset.

Designed and built by Padstone Homes.

Two fishing huts on the Dorset coast, now mainly used for recreational use. The project objectives were to stop any further movement in both structures by adding in support under floors and on walls. To insulate both huts so they can be used throughout winter as well as being cooler in the summer months. To wrap both huts with an impermeable membrane due to damp conditions caused by being so close to the shore, installing adequate, controllable ventilation. To put a new roof on one hut and a aluminium gutter on the other to stop water damage caused by the original design. To clad with UK grown Larch and ply-line one hut, maintaining the charm of old features in the other.

The project was off-grid, in the truest sense, having to bring all materials down to the beach via 150 steps. There was no electricity so the project was completed using hand tools and battery powered tools, using a van-based solar system to charge tool batteries. Due to remote location there was no phone signal either, so work had to be taken with care.

The Larch cladding was cut at Willows sawmill in Uckfield. The insulation was supplied by Johnson’s Insulation Supplies Ltd. Both family run businesses. Other standard sizes of wood and other materials were supplied by Granby Roofing & Building Supplies, an independent business in Weymouth. Extra hands, knowledge and shared cups of tea were found within the beach community.

Completed 08/08/2024