A ruined 19th century windmill in Cambridgeshire has been converted into a stylish and sustainable home.

Eco Installer worked closely with Freeman Brear Architects to upgrade the Grade II listed building, which had lost its sails, windows and cap after falling into a state of disrepair.

The two companies gave the structure a new lease of life and it is now powered by solar panels on the roof, a battery storage system and a biomass boiler.

Rainwater harvesting technology and a mechanical ventilation system are also used to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer – it reuses up to 95% of the heat that would have otherwise been lost.

Roland Gurner, Director of Eco Installer, said: “Tower Mill is a prime example of how technology is helping to drive sustainable solutions and helping to address both environmental and economic concerns.

“Its 10KW photovoltaic roof panels, which charge a state of the art storage battery system, triple glazed windows and heavily insulated walls all increase the mill’s energy efficiency and prevent unnecessary waste.”

A recent report suggests the social housing sector is willing and able to carry out energy efficiency retrofits.