Embracing Coastal Living: The Seabreeze House

Situated on Camber Sands beach in East Sussex, the Seabreeze House offers unparalleled views of the English Channel and direct access to the natural sand dunes. Its unique location, accessible only by driving along the beach, presents both challenges and opportunities for its construction.

Designing for Coastal Conditions

To withstand the coastal environment, the windows of the Seabreeze House are designed to sit flush with the façade, minimizing areas where sand could accumulate. Additionally, the absence of gutters and conventional details prevents issues caused by sand and salt. The exterior finish, a trowelled micro fibre cement with a pink pigment, not only ensures durability but also softens the visual impact against the dynamic backdrop of the sky and beach.

Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges

The project encountered setbacks, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the scheduled start of site work. However, the design prioritized resilience to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and salt air, through robust construction methods and material selection.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Heating and passive cooling are achieved through deep boreholes and a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. The sealed external envelope, along with triple-glazed windows, ensures energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Considerations for acoustic effects in the exposed environment were also integrated into the design of the windows.

Wellness and Interior Design

The Seabreeze House boasts a wellness spa with amenities like a steam pod, sauna, and plunge pool, complemented by open-plan living spaces with expansive glazing. Internally, fumed oak cladding frames the picturesque views, while terrazzo flooring resembling beach shingle and textured lime paint on the walls enhance the tactile experience and warmth of the interiors.

Landscape Integration

Externally, a curving corten retaining wall not only adds sculptural interest but also protects the surrounding sand dunes and decks. The design seamlessly integrates the Seabreeze House with its coastal landscape, offering a harmonious retreat amidst the natural beauty of Camber Sands beach.