“There were many conservation issues that had to be considered”

Sensitive Solution for Historic Castle

Visitors to Durlston Castle will never feel a chill as they take in the spectacular views of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Electrical underfloor heating from Speedheat was chosen to overcome a potential floor height problem in the Belvedere viewing room and two cloakrooms during the £5.5 million restoration of the historic Grade 2 listed building.

The restoration of the Victorian castle, now the Gateway Centre for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, involved a mix of traditional and modern construction methods.
Explained Rob Hooker, managing director of main contractor Greendale Construction:
“There were many conservation issues that had to be considered.”

Among them were restrictions on the floor height in the Belvedere and cloakrooms, where underfloor heating was to be installed.

“Because the Speedheat system is only 2mm thick, overlaid with a
thin latex screed and the final floor covering, there was no noticeable
increase in floor height.”

Durlston Castle near Swanage is owned by Dorset County Council and is part of the Durlston Country Park and national nature reserve.   
Among the first visitors to appreciate the comfort of warmth from the floor up while admiring the 360-degree panoramic view from the Belvedere was Princess Anne when she officially opened the castle.