Contemporary Coastal Home Approved in Croyde!
We are delighted to have received planning approval for a new private home in Croyde, North Devon. The proposal replaces a previously approved scheme with a revised design that better responds to both the site and the client’s aspirations.
The site sits within a quiet residential setting close to the centre of the village and only a short distance from Croyde Bay. Nestled in trees and surrounded by mature planting, the design draws on that secluded position and takes advantage of the sloping site to make the most of the lovely views west towards the sea while remaining well screened from the surrounding area.
Site analysis diagram, showing an intricate between the public realm and the site
A key requirement of our client’s brief was that the house should be all on one level to be their forever home. But at the same time the views had to be enjoyed from all habitable rooms. That lead us to develop a simple, but careful linear plan form. A covered entrance on the south side leads into an entrance hallway with a snug on one side and the main kitchen / dining / living space on the other. That acts as link to bedrooms and bathrooms at the north end, thereby minimising circulation space. Service and storage areas run along the back (east side) of the house along with a bespoke bike garage and enclosed external shower. Both the main living space and master bedroom benefit from covered balconies facing beautiful Croyde Bay.
The house is raised up on posts, giving it the feel of a tree house, with the west facing balconies “floating” in the tree canopy. A mono pitch sedum green roof falls from east to west and following the natural slope of the hillside behind. That and the timer clad facade will create a more subtle appearance from the public realm and allow the building to sit comfortably in its setting. Deep reveals to openings facing towards the coast provide shelter from the weather while helping reduce solar overheating inside the home.
A key part of the design approach was to minimise the visual and environmental impact of the building within its setting. The elevated design will reduce surface water run-off and allow the natural landscape and habitats to continue beneath the structure. So the house will touch the earth lightly. Native planting and additional landscaping will further enhance biodiversity around the site.
Obtaining planning permission in a location with lots of constraints, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the coast, presents a significant challenge in design and planning terms. But our sensitive approach, combined with our clients commitment has been rewarded with the grant of full planning approval. The result will be a modest, subtle, sustainable home that makes a very positive contribution to the local area. We look forward to taking it forward the next stage.