This important and sensitive coastal site required a fine balance between ambitious modernism, low energy design and a considered approach to historical reference.
The design intent is for a contemporary home of the 21st Century, with unobstructed sea views of the primary living spaces to the south, east and west, simply demanded of such an incredible location. However, the dual facing aspect back into the countryside to the north required a more subtle approach, which lent itself to smaller windows for bathrooms and circulation.
The use of copper cladding and white rendered curves provided references to Art Deco history of South Devon coastal properties, and the copper trading ships passing through the channel from Cornwall beyond. A copper skin, then wraps around from the north, to a dynamic coastal aspect to the south, which then frames large areas of glazing.
Careful attention to detailing allowed floor to ceiling glazing to give clean lines and framing of sea views in nearly all directions.
The passive solar aspect of this arrangement worked very well for the low energy design approach, with specialist high performance glazing with integral shading and overhangs used to avoid overheating.
The building is highly insulated and powered completed by renewable technology including air source heat pump and solar PV hidden away on the flat roof behind the parapet.
South Hams District Council saw the design as an exemplar for high quality contemporary and sustainable design in the region, and the planning approval was won quickly, maintaining our 100% record for ambitious planning approvals in the region.