Sea Breeze is located on Camber Sands beach in East Sussex, directly backing on to the natural sand dunes behind and with outstanding views across the beach and English Channel to the south. The site is unique in that it is one of only a handful of properties in the region which are only accessed by driving along the beach making the construction extremely challenging.

The dune formations behind the property are a unique landscape feature and are designated as a SSSI, also attracting migrating birds. The designs are focused on creating a robust building to cope with the extreme weather conditions, with high winds, moving sand and salt air. The building has been externally finished in trowelled micro fibre concrete with a pink pigment, to create a sealed external envelope. The external material selection was carefully considered to be robust and strong, however the pink pigment in the finish softens the visual impact and sets the building off against the dramatic and ever changing backdrop of the sky and beach. 

The windows have been designed to sit flush with the external façade, to avoid creating ledges on which sand can build and effect the building. There are also no gutters or conventional details where sand and salt could create issues to the building. 

The building is heated and passively cooled via two 90m deep bore holes along with an MVHR system. The sealed external envelop also has significant thermal mass which has resulted in a highly energy efficient and comfortable property. The triple glazed windows have also been designed to significantly reduce the external acoustic effects which are an important consideration in the hostile and exposed environment. 

The plans include a wellness spa with a steam pod, sauna and a plunge pool, along with open plan living accommodation with large expanses of glazing looking across the beach. There are 3 double bedrooms at first floor level with two en suite rooms and a family bathroom. The external retaining wall of the landscaping has been designed in a curving corten, to appear sculptural yet also retain the sand and dunes surrounding the building and protect the decked terrace areas.

Internally a fumed oak cladding has been used to frame and emphasise the views out and to bring warmth to the interiors. Terrazzo flooring has been used throughout the ground floor with an aggregate mix resembling the shingle of the beach. The walls have been painted in a textured natural lime paint to give a more tactile finish. 

Team:
Contractor: Coast View Properties
Joinery: Chartwood Design
M&E: Baltic Heating

Material Used:
Kitchen: Portrait Kitchens
Tiles: Mandarin Stone
Sanitary Ware: Vado