Coastal architecture

The "Twin Houses" is a residential concept inspired by ancient architecture and responding to contemporary human needs. Caption Caption In the town of Ericeira there is a problem, we are over building the coast. Therefore the implantation is conceived to build less than what the local municipality allows, meaning more green area and less consumption of soil, the houses are two identical volumes with 450 sqm footprint each, and sits at different levels to adapt with the topograpny of the terrain. Caption Caption The heights have been meticolously calculated not to obstruct ocean views of the neighbours and at the same time being at the top of the topography of the land to get the most of the stunning ocean views. Ca... Más

Within the topography of Betty’s Bay, between mountain and ocean sits the Dune House. The natural ecology of this locale is sensitive, both to disturbances which have occurred over the past few decades through indiscriminate building practices and through the windswept local climate. This was the datum upon which this house grew, and the resultant decision made right from the beginning to create a building with two defining moments. Paris Brummer Paris Brummer Firstly, a distinctive roofscape was conceived to provide protection from the prevailing wind conditions, which during the summer months arrive strongly from the seaward aspect (SE) while in winter these come from over the mountain (NW). The curved apex of the roofsca... Más

The magnificent site of this substantial alteration was previously occupied by an uninspiring face brick and fibre cement laslappie house in typical South African beach house parlance. Damien Schumann The proximity of the ocean to the south and Kogelberg Biosphere Mountains to the north, together with the existing vegetation and climatic considerations provided the parameters that would ultimately arrange the new house, both in terms of spatial organisation and material expression.  Damien Schumann The bedrooms on the western side of the site, together with some existing vegetation form one edge of a new courtyard, protected from the southeast wind by the existing garage and a new entrance walkway. Damien Schumann The... Más

Deeply passionate about sustainable and low impact living, the owners of Sailor’s House had a singular vision; to create a contemporary home that produces enough renewable energy to achieve net zero carbon emissions. Brett Charles Photography The result is a beautifully crafted, unassuming, environmentally responsible building that blends into its setting next to a Grade II Listed church in a quiet coastal town. Brett Charles Photography All elements of the design concept, orientation and architectural detailing were influenced by the integration of sustainable building solutions, whilst also taking inspiration from the owners’ other passion for sailing and life on the water. The home needed to provide flexible space... Más

Boasting an incredible yet highly exposed setting on the South Coast, Waterside is a seaside home reimagined for modern living, with a distinctive contemporary aesthetic. Brett Charles Photography  A key objective was to strike a balance between opening up the home to enjoy the 180-degree ocean views and create a sense of drawing the sea in, whilst also providing calm, cocooning spaces that act as a retreat for the owners. A deep house, layouts have been carefully planned to maximise natural light, particularly on the ground floor which is home to the owner’s artist’s studio. Brett Charles Photography Natural, deeply textured materials used throughout add a great sense of warmth and intimacy to the spaces, A hon... Más

Working together with a passionate car collector who owns a rural estate we have finished the design of two spaces for the growing collection of vintage and contemporary automobiles. Formed by two vaulted grid-shells in steel and glass that are nestled into the hillside, the exhibition spaces are part of a sequence of pavilions set into the extensive landscaped grounds. The tree cover and rolling hills of the context make them a distinguished and crystalline presence in nature. We were approached by a fellow classic car enthusiast to visit his car collection which is located in an old family estate on the coast. He is a passionate collector of automobiles and other technological objects and wanted to replan the storage and use of the groun... Más

Situated in a wonderfully desolate, once-industrial landscape, Camel Quarry House sits above the shores of the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.   Its form is simple – a rugged exterior faces the quarry and estuary and a smoother façade looks out on to the more sheltered, rural landscape behind. The living area is on the uppermost floor, making the most of the extraordinary views, with a connecting terrace to spill out onto when the weather is fine. Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson Jim Stephenson We decided to photograph the house again, 15 years after construction, curious to see how it has settled into its surroundings, both inside and out.   The external slate walls... Más