Beachside House

Demolition of an existing bungalow and the construction of a four bedroom family home on the beach in Shoreham. Construction Cost £320,000. Completed 2015. RIBA Stages 0-7

The house is designed to encompass all aspects of this wonderful beach setting allowing direct access to the beach where the owners and their two children can indulge their passion for wind surfing and swimming, whilst providing a comfortable family home with substantial views across the English Channel.

The house, in common with beachfront architecture throughout the decades, is arranged with the living spaces on the upper level and bedrooms at ground floor. There is direct access to the beach allowing the owners to come straight off the beach with their surf boards and into their house. When not surfing or walking on the beach they are able to enjoy the beach and sea from the comfort of the property, from the protected south-east/south facing terrace or through the large expanse of glazing to the first floor living area.

The design concept uses a material palette that is inspired by the beach and sea. The pebble filled gabions at ground floor, an extension of the pebbled beach, form a strong, grounded and secure mass, where the ‘private’ bedrooms are located. The first floor glazing and timber boarding, which will bleach out in time, reflect (literally in the case of the glazing) the sea, the weather and their constant movement.