A contemporary coastal home, carved into the cliffs
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This contemporary new house sits nestled within the Jurassic Cliffs on the Dorset coast and has panoramic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. The house has been carefully designed to reflect the curves of the cliff and the historical walls, and maximise the panoramic views.
Project Type
Contemporary
Coastal
New Build
Location
Swanage, Dorset
Local Authority
Dorset
The house replaces a dilapidated 1950s dwelling. The new property is more sensitive to the original dwelling, sitting further back from the street, and has a curvilinear form that reflects the levels and contours of the site.
The clients wanted to make the most of the sea views so the ocean-facing elevation is predominantly glazed, with overhanging eaves to reduce the solar gain and impact from the weather. Much of the facade is finished in stone to reflect the local context, including the historic boundary walls.
The project was made more challenging by virtue of its clifftop location. Throughout the planning process Geological Engineers were consulted to ensure that the proposed building would not harm the coast or cliff stability.
The original, historic boundary wall to the site is being retained, and its curved shape informed the design of the house and provides a strong characteristic for the site. The new design incorporates a series of new stone walls that relate to the original garden walls.
The house has terraces on both levels, with the primary living spaces and master bedroom facing outwards to make the most of the stunning views across the Channel. The terraces provide the opportunity to merge the boundaries between the indoor spaces and the outside.
Situated on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, the site has important heritage value and it was important that the house did not detract from the surrounding landscape. For this reason a pre-app was undertaken, to engage with the local council before submitting a full planning application.
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