An environmentally-responsible beach house in Sussex by RX Architects embraces its coastal location
Designed by RX Architects, The Suttons is a four-bedroom beach house in Camber Sands, East Sussex. The principal aims of the project were to provide a functional family space, maximise the views out, withstand the extreme environment and ensure high levels of sustainability, says the architect. Large open-plan family spaces are located on the ground floor with views across the beach to the English Channel, and direct access to the beach. The first-floor plan comprises bedrooms and private family spaces, while the second-floor contains the master bedroom and ensuite bathroom.
Landscaping was an essential part to the project in order to bed the dwelling into its context, and to create a gentle transition from the sandy beach, up onto the shingle, and through to the private outdoor spaces, explains the architect. Pockets of external space at ground level ensure protection from the sun, wind and rain. The first-floor balconies provide sheltered seating and extensive views along the beach. Surrounded by planted beds and a wildflower and shingle roof, the roof terrace features an outdoor fireplace.
Ground, first and second-floor plans
Central to the environmental strategy is a ground source heating and hot water system that employs a pair of 90-meter-deep boreholes set beneath the internal courtyard. The heat pump can be reversed in the summer to extract warmth from the building in exchange for cool temperatures from the ground. Roof-mounted solar panels provide additional hot water. The building also features high-levels of insulation, thermal mass and airtighness. An MVHR exchange system ensures regular conditioned air exchanges.
Externally, the house hints at its concrete structure by exposing areas of fair-faced concrete. There is a concrete datum plinth at the base of the building with concrete infill panels on the ground floor. A fair-faced concrete chimney exposed internally as it rises through the house. Selected to withstand the extreme coastal environment, the garden walls and landscaping are also made from fair-faced concrete. The shuttering was intentionally rough-sawn to leave timber impressions on the concrete when struck. Other areas of the facade are clad in natural Cedar, with black render used on the third floor.
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