Parton Mill is an eighteenth century Porridge Oats Mill located on the edge of Loch Ken outside Castle Douglas. Our client approached us with the vision of restoring the derelict Mill to its former glory, retaining the key historic features of the Mill, such as the waterwheel and kiln, whilst converting the building into a modern energy efficient holiday home. The reconstruction of the Mill constitutes a green building process, which is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle, from inception, during construction and throughout the ongoing use of the Mill. This process is achieved principally through early design and planning considerations. The specification of local sustainable materials with low embodied energy includes the reuse of the existing Whetstone by a local master stonemason. The design of the Mill uses natural passive means to reduce energy, the thick stone walls regulate temperatures by acting as a heat sink and the design of the new high level glazing maximises natural daylight penetration into the first floor living areas whilst offering elevated panoramic views over Loch Ken. The Mill also incorporates the latest energy efficient technology in the form of photovoltaic (PV) cells, and a small generator which is powered by the waterwheel of the Mill, to convert renewable energy sources for heating and lighting. Ground source heat pumps maximise the efficiency of the energy generated on site and deliver heating through coils which pass through the thermal mass of the building. The Virtual Reality Suite has been used to develop the designs for Parton Mill. Our client’s testimonial describes how our 3D design and virtual reality review process has helped them to realise their vision for converting the derelict mill into a modern energy efficient home. “A picture tells a thousand words, and seeing our project come to life in the virtual reality suite knocks the spots off a thousand pictures. We want the rebuilding of our water mill to be a sensitive fusion of old and new. We want to preserve as many original 18th century features as possible, whilst adding 21st century engineering and construction techniques to convert it into an efficient and attractive dwelling. Walking around our virtual mill has shown us where the design meets our objectives and has allowed us to adjust the design to improve the quality of the building, and reduce building costs at the same time. By lowering the upstairs living area walls, an adjustment was made within 10 minutes to integrate window seats on top of the thick stone walls and allow much improved views over the local countryside. The simulator shows everything exactly as it will be - and for anything that isn't quite right, it can be compared with alternatives and the best solution determined in a few minutes, which is so much better than wasting time and materials on rectification work or living in a compromised design. “A picture tells a thousand words, and seeing our project come to life in the virtual reality suite knocks the spots off a thousand pictures.” “It is clear to see exactly how Hickman & Smith Architects are converting our vision into reality.”    Bob Panther – Client