SEA LANE | REMODEL
Project Description: Remodel of existing dwelling in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent.
Total Gross Internal Area: Existing 220m²; Proposed 300m² (inc garage)
Planning Granted: 2016
Project Type: Internal and External Remodel of Existing Dwelling
Procurement Method: JCT homeowner contract with building contractor taking possession of the property and responsible for delivering all of the works
Construction Technique: Mass concrete trench fill foundations with suspended concrete beam and block ground and first floor structure; Load bearing masonry cavity external walls with localised steel frame; timber cut roof structure.
Tony Holt Design Appointment: Design and planning. Full working drawings and assembly details. Ad-hoc support during construction phase.
This property is positioned in a coastal location and the plot enjoys views over the Ocean to the front. The house occupies a large rectangular plot measuring approximately 18m wide by 50m long. The existing house is set towards the front of the plot, rectangular in form filling its width and leaving a generous South facing rear garden.
The existing house was built in the 1970s, finished with a concrete tile roof, painted render walls with simple detailing. Internally the rooms are generous in size with large window openings typical of houses built in the era. This style of house really lends itself to a contemporary upgrade, as the already large rooms can be easily adapted to suite today’s need for open plan living. The existing accommodation consists of a dual aspect living room 2, study and separate bathroom, kitchen/dining room and a single garage and car port on the ground floor. There are 3 bedrooms on the first floor all served by a family bathroom. The rectangular plan form is covered by a simple low pitch roof all providing a total floor area of 220m².
The Challenge
The external materials are tired and due to the low pitched roof there are restrictions on how additional significant space can be generated. Spaces need to be created to allow the occupants to enjoy everything the site has to offer, in particular to take advantage of the aspect and ocean view is to the North and front elevation, while allowing the occupants to break out onto the private rear amenity space to the South.
Conceptual Approach
In order to create the additional space upstairs the existing roof needs to be removed. This allows modification to be made to the first floor walls without having to support the existing roof. A two storey rear extension allows additional living space to be created on the ground floor that connect directly onto the rear garden whilst also providing the opportunity to capture sunlight in late afternoon at first floor level. The existing garage and carport needs to be merged to form generous garage space and improve the overall look of the property. Due to the coastal location and to minimise the impact of mass and bulk on neighbouring properties a flat roof solution provides a contemporary new look that sits in its context with a beach style property in mind.
Ground Floor plan
The dual aspect living room and study has been retained with the study converted to bedroom space located near to the existing bathroom. The existing kitchen and dining room has been extended to incorporate a snug area breaking out onto the rear garden. The existing car port and garage has been replaced with a large double garage which also offers storage for leisure equipment.
First Floor Plan
Over the ground floor extension to the rear a study has been created which is open plan down into kitchen family room creating a dramatic double height space, but also captures afternoon and early evening daylight. The flat roof above the snug forms a private first floor terrace area. The existing 2 bedroom have been knocked into 1 large luxurious master bedroom with dressing and en suite facilities. The flat roof area above the garage has been used to create outside living spaces that benefit from aspect onto the rear amenity and also the ocean view to the north. A curved staircase links this area down onto the rear break out space on the ground floor, but there is also access directly into the master bedroom.
Externally
Externally a modern palette of white acrylic render, aluminium window frames complimented with touches of contemporary stone cladding finish the look.
Summary
The existing house has been given a new beach house style that sits comfortably in its context and responds to the fantastic views of the sea, and the orientation and movement of the sun around the site. The final design transforms the tired 70s style into a luxury individually designed residence with an overall footprint of 300m².