Architecture

WWII bunker begins new chapter as unique vacation home

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The Transmitter Bunker, by Corstorphine & Wright, involved transforming a WWII-era bunker into a unique vacation home that's currently available to rent
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker, by Corstorphine & Wright, involved transforming a WWII-era bunker into a unique vacation home that's currently available to rent
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker was once part of the first early warning radar network in the world
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker's exterior features greenery growing over it, insulating the structure and helping it blend in with its surroundings
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker is accessed through glass doors
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker is one of several bunkers on the clients' land in rural Dorset, England
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker is situated on the coastline and was used to help protect against German bombing raids during WWII
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker has had a large glazed section installed that's meant to resemble a bomb blast
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker's interior has retained its original utilitarian exposed concrete decor
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker disappears into the rural English landscape
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker offers excellent views of the coastline
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker includes two bedrooms
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker's kitchen is equipped with fridge/freezer, oven, sink, microwave, and cabinetry
Will Scott
The Transmitter Bunker's bathroom includes a toilet, shower and sink
Will Scott
View gallery - 13 images

A WWII-era concrete bunker once used to protect Britain against incoming Luftwaffe attacks has been transformed into a remarkable vacation home in southern England. Corstorphine & Wright, along with engineers Symmetrys, worked to retain the character of the bunker, while adding a comfortable interior, including a "bomb blast" glazed opening to provide superb views of the coastline.

The Transmitter Bunker was commissioned in early 1941 and was part of the UK's Chain Home radar system, which was the first early warning radar network in the world and served a crucial role during the Battle of Britain. The bunker was finally decommissioned in 1956.

Other than the large new glazed section, which is meant to bring to mind the remnants of some kind of bomb damage, rather than a cleanly cut window, the exterior of the shelter looks largely as it did before and is covered in greenery, belying the effort that went into insulating and waterproofing it. The soft-touch approach continues inside, with the rough exposed concrete walls left unfinished to retain the utilitarian aesthetic.

Its interior measures 60 sq m (645 sq ft), much of which is taken up by a large living room that puts the focus on the view. A wood-burning stove is installed in the living room for warmth. Elsewhere, the vacation home features a bathroom, a pair of bedrooms, and a dining room.

The Transmitter Bunker offers excellent views of the coastline
Will Scott

"The bunkers' design is completely unique and there are no standard details to deal with such a building," explained architect Jonny Plant, director at Corstorphine & Wright. "The most challenging part of the design was the detailing to retain the original internal concrete, whilst also insulating and waterproofing it. In the end, the only option was to completely expose the bunker structure, insulate and waterproof the building from the outside, effectively wrapping it in insulation and waterproofing and then returning the earth and replanting.

"The formation of the large 'bomb blast' opening on the south elevation was also a significant challenge. In forming the opening, we wanted to play on the history of the bunker and decided to form a blast opening for the new glazing rather than a simple cut out."

The Transmitter Bunker's exterior features greenery growing over it, insulating the structure and helping it blend in with its surroundings
Will Scott

The Transmitter Bunker is currently available to rent for short stays. Prices vary depending on time of year, but for a rough idea, we were quoted £904 (almost US$1,200) for a two-night stay in March 2024.

Source: Corstorphine & Wright

View gallery - 13 images
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4 comments
pbethel
What we should be building with modern techniques and materials.
Low maintenance, low energy for heat/cooling and low heat island effect.
vince
All homes in tornado alley should be built like this near the top of a hill and hundreds of feet above potential flooding. As quake activity is very low in the central US then your going to be very safe from wind, floods, quakes, freezing and baking temps and even terrorists.
BanisterJH
I like earth sheltered housing, but this looks like you're vacationing in Silent Hill, halfway through the transition.
Baker Steve
It's not 'unique' – we've got one near us in West Cornwall (Google 'The Bunker, Trebehor'), and I'm sure there are others.