An initial brief to extend a 1960s bungalow overlooking the sea changed to a complete rebuild for a five bedroom house with swimming pool, garage and annexe.

The site is at the top of a wood with dramatic views out towards the sea. The intention was for the house to present a mysterious solid black wall on approach and then to reveal the view as progress was made deeper into a fully glazed interior.

Ground source heat pumps, clay honeycomb building blocks and exceptionally high levels of insulation were used to give the building good environmental credentials. High quality, simple materials were used internally, giving the house both grace and space.