Last updated at 21:44, Thursday, 25 August 2011

A businessman who featured on TV’s Grand Designs programme but was later forced to close part of his business will appear on the show again.

Alan Dawson at Ennerdale School

Alan Dawson, of Branthwaite, near Workington, appeared on the programme in October when he built a prototype of his Adaptahaus design, which was put together on site in just seven days.

The system comprises a steel frame and completely prefabricated panels which are assembled on site.

He has now applied the system to an extension at Ennerdale School.

It should be completed in six weeks.

The assembly of the extension was filmed last week and it is due to be aired in November as part of Channel 4’s Grand Designs Revisited series.

Mr Dawson said: “The school got in touch shortly after the programme last year.

“They wanted to see if we could do the same kind of build for them so we began designing it last November.

“It will be ready to occupy when the children go back to school and that was really important to them so there was no disruption.”

Work on the site started as soon as the school broke up for the summer holidays and the project, which also included the demolition of an existing extension, is due to be completed this week.

The extension, which includes a new staff room and has extended one classroom, has been built using as much Cumbrian labour and materials as possible.

The steel frame was built by MPM, of Maryport, where Mr Dawson now works, the panels were made by Clarke Timber, of Maryport, its concrete foundations were supplied by JAF, of Wigton, and the roof was made by Steadmans, of Caldbeck.

Things haven’t all been plain sailing for Mr Dawson, as he was forced to close his art and architectural metal work company, Alan Dawson Associates, last year because of a lack of custom.

However, he kept the Adaptahaus company and continues to promote it around the world.

He said he had received interest from abroad, particularly New Zealand where there was a desperate need for earthquake-proof housing to replace those damaged in the disaster in February.

Architectural engineer Craig Heywood travelled from New Zealand to see the Adaptahaus system for himself in the hope that he can use the system there.

Mr Dawson said: “Ultimately I would like to have a one-stop shop where all trades are working under one roof as one system as part of Britain’s Energy Coast.”

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 25 August 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk