Sunnybank, Georgeham

PMA was commissioned to design a sensitively scaled replacement dwelling off an existing chalet bungalow.

The site is gently sloping, with a southerly aspect and spectacular views over the coastal countryside near Putsborough Beach. Due to the location being in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), it was important to find a building form that picked up on the rural & coastal vernacular, and palette of materials. A key brief component was to increase the amount of floor space without increasing the height or width above that of the existing property.

To address those constraints, we developed a design which is a modern interpretation of a chalet form; a split level dwelling with two offset volumes for living and for sleeping, linked by a service & circulation zone. This has enabled the building to have doubled the size of the living space and a greater connection to the garden, without being more prominent on the streetscape. The cedar cladding gives a warmth to the external facade and the slate roof picks up on the local vernacular style.

The property is a well insulated timber frame with solar panels in the valley between the roofs and and air source heat pump. As a result running costs are very low. The home is also very low maintenance as a result of the self-finish external materials.

LOCATION: Georgeham, Devon

CONSTRUCTION VALUE: £340,000

STATUS: Completed

STAGE OF INVOLVEMENT: Full Architects Services