Nygarbour

This project involved an existing house, annexe and low quality boathouse alongside the sea wall border the Torridge Estuary. Our brief was to create a new broken-plan kitchen, living, dining volume elevated over the single storey annexe, with a strong connection to the new boathouse and raised terrace. A new entrance and circulation link has been provided to connect the new living space with the revised accommodation volume situated within the main house. The scheme was approved in September of 2022 and begins on site in spring of 2023.

Project Location:

Bideford, North Devon

Project Size:

383m2

Service:

RIBA Stage 1-5

Completion:

Summer 2024

The form is result of the site constraints (and opportunities) with the curved south-eastern corner responding to the curvature of the stone sea wall. The orientation focuses down the estuary while the deep overhang to the south provides enough solar shading to prevent the glazed living area from overheating. The internal living space has been separated into 3 primary volumes, which while interconnected, are distinct and help to subtly zone each use, each with a different view.

Charred timber cladding was felt to be appropriate against the dark greys and blacks of the rockface and woodland behind. The is felt to sit quietly against the backdrop, and contrast well with the greens of the vegetation on the hillside. The building appears to float weightlessly at certain points, with a light touch as it balances over the water.