The Transmitter Bunker

Nestled on a working dairy farm in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the bunker retains its historical essence while offering a unique holiday experience. Discovered among several abandoned bunkers, the project aimed to honor its wartime significance while creating a habitable, commercially viable space. Gaining Grade II listed status during planning, it required close collaboration with Conservation Officers and Heritage Consultants to ensure a sensitive design. Originally used to detect enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain, the bunker’s heritage shaped every design decision. The entrance remains untouched, preserving its original form, while a carefully engineered “bomb blast” opening introduces natural light and sweeping views of Ringstead Bay. Exposed concrete walls, a preserved layout, and subtle interventions maintain its authentic character. The biggest challenge was insulating and waterproofing while keeping the exposed concrete interior. Corstorphine & Wright wrapped the bunker in external insulation, re-covered it with earth, and reintroduced native planting, creating an efficient thermal envelope while enhancing wildlife habitats. The result is a sustainable, low-energy space that immerses guests in its history. From the preserved walls to the “bomb blast” glazing, every detail tells the bunker’s wartime story, transforming it into a thoughtfully restored, living connection to the past.