Southwold Beach House
This new-build, low-energy house is located on the edge of Southwold in Suffolk, on a coastal plot that extends down to the beach.
The design responds to the local character of the village in both form and materials, drawing inspiration from traditional coastal architecture and the varied seaside context.
A low embodied energy structural timber frame is combined with Passivhaus levels of airtightness and insulation, significantly reducing heat loss and ongoing energy demand.
The structural timber frame reduces embodied carbon compared with conventional construction methods, aligning the project with best practice in sustainable architecture.
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The design responds to the local character of the village in both form and materials, drawing inspiration from traditional coastal architecture and the varied seaside context.
Architectural approach
This coastal home is conceived as a highly sustainable, low-energy house with excellent environmental performance. Its lime-rendered facade incorporates local flint, shale and seashells, creating a textured, tactile surface that allows the home sit comfortably within the Southwold townscape.A low embodied energy structural timber frame is combined with Passivhaus levels of airtightness and insulation, significantly reducing heat loss and ongoing energy demand.
The structural timber frame reduces embodied carbon compared with conventional construction methods, aligning the project with best practice in sustainable architecture.
more
An oversized chimney will house the Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system and other building services, allowing these to be discreetly integrated into the architecture while maintaining clean internal and external lines.
Passive Solar Design
Passive environmental design principles underpin the project. Overhanging roofs help to prevent overheating during the summer by shading the glazing from high-angle sun, while in winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, they allow beneficial solar gain to warm the interior.A high level of thermal mass within the building envelope absorbs and slowly releases heat, helping to regulate internal temperatures and ensure a stable, comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.
The result is a warm, comfortable home with minimal space heating requirements and low running costs throughout the year.
If you are considering a sustainable new-build house in Suffolk or along the UK coastline, we can help you develop a design that responds sensitively to its coastal context while achieving excellent energy performance. Contact us to discuss your project.
Project Architects:
Ben Ridley, Moa Wintzell, Matt McKenna
Location:
Southwold, Suffolk
Visuals:
Tom Groves / AFL
