A House facing the Sea

London 2007-2009

"It was a plain seaside bungalow – but then a forward-thinking architect tore down walls, built a balcony and clad it in concrete" Guardian Weekend Magazine

The client is thrilled that we have turned a mediocre bungalow into a radical design.
Approached by the client to re-organize the living area and create an entrance, we took the opportunity of the need to replace the roof and part of the façade to re-clad it in an industrial material.
The client, a painter, desired an informal and more comfortable building where she could entertain and show her work.
We took inspiration from fishermen cottages and harbour buildings found in the area to give a sense of simplicity and ease whilst integrating sensitively in its context.

The utilitarian aspect of the material is balanced with a sense of luxury given by the generosity of a modern interpretation of a Victorian porch as well as carefully framing the views over Chichester Harbour and precise detailing.
We swiftly achieved planning for this challenging design by cleverly using the permitted development rights. (the site is part of the Chichester Harbour Conveyancy). Since seeing the completed scheme they have been convinced and are going to use this project as a good practice example of a sensitive development in this landscape.
Internally the whole living area has been opened up to form a space that will also allow the client who is a painter to exhibit her work. Large walls have been created naturally lit from above to show the work to its advantage.

For a minimum effort, the existing building seems completely new.

The project has been published in the Guardian Weekend magazine (download), Architecture Today (download) and Coast magazine (download).

Main contractor and cabinetry: Paul Flint

Structural Engineer: Alun Blow from DHK Chichester

Photography: Ioana Marinescu,