Blakeney Lifeboat House

Overview

The Blakeney Lifeboat station is situated four miles out at the end of the spit, separated from the mainland by a protected wildlife reserve. This created a logistical problem when it came to refurbishing the station. As the area is a tourist attraction and the station a local landmark, conserving the majority of the original design became priority. We used historic photos to inform the conservation project including the reinstatement of the lifeboat ramp, with an elevated walkway to the side. During the refurbishment, the building was re-clad to make it water tight and insulated. The main drive in refurbishing the station at this time was to improve the facilities for wardens staying out on the spit during the nesting season.

Due to its remoteness and the lack of electrical service, we provided photovoltaics with battery storage that was calculated to accommodate all energy consumption for any potential electrical appliances, right down to the warden’s electric toothbrushes. The project was completed in early March, just before the return of the nesting birds. However, it was unfortunately hit by a tidal surge in the following December which flooded the building despite its elevated position. This required the project to be done twice, but it is now completed and in full working condition.