Branksea Avenue
A sustainable coastal home within an established plot along Branksea Avenue, relating well to its setting and respecting the character and appearance of its location onto Poole Harbour. The house is on the Hamworthy peninsula to the west of Poole, between the Dorset Lake Shipyard and the Poole Yacht Club and Ferry Terminal.
The new dwelling has been developed to respond to the unique constraints and site conditions, aiming to provide a unique and innovative family home that will enhance the existing street scene and maximise opportunities to engage with the waterfront setting, with far-reaching views of the harbour and uninterrupted views of both sunrise and sunset with boathouse access to the water.
The row of waterfront houses along Branksea Avenue are predominantly detached homes. Many have been replaced over the years resulting in a variety of architectural styles present. The variety in the street scene is now a key component of its character.
Project Awards & Recognition
A refined palette of materials
A key design principle was to connect to the sea views. A limited selection of materials has been deliberately considered for this design, chosen for their aesthetic qualities, robustness and ability to blend into and mirror the surrounding natural palette of sea, sand and trees.
The building adopts a linear form, resulting in a horizontal arrangement that opens up to a southern aspect and views to Poole Harbour. The plan of the building is simple and straightforward with a key axis creating a divide through the building, separating living and ancillary spaces until opening up in a large open plan kitchen and living space, angled west towards sunset views of the harbour.
Sustainable technologies
Our clients were particularly keen to build an environmentally sustainable home that adds value to the area through high quality design and craftsmanship, making use of renewable technologies where appropriate.
Photovoltaic panels combined with battery storage and air source heat pumps have been incorporated, with panels located on the roofs of the garage and main house to sustainably supplement the use of electricity and heating within property, this generates over 115% of the houses’ energy need (16,792 kWh/y), with an overall net gain energy generation of 2,213kWh/y with on site renewables.
There are also a number of electric charging points for cars within the garage and for the additional guest parking spaces on the driveway.
The pool room, plant room, and boathouse feature sea air tolerant sedum roofs that are durable in coastal conditions, provide a natural aesthetic and encourage biodiversity to the surroundings.
Outdoor living
The approach to the house features an extensive driveway with garaging for several cars.
The large rear garden enjoys an open air swimming pool, complete with a large pergola for relaxing, socialising and barbeques. The boat house gives direct water access to the harbour for paddleboarding, sailing and other water sports. The result is a coastal home that offers a tranquil lifestyle with stunning views and a strong connection with to nature.
We look forward to seeing the house when the landscaping is planted and flourishing.
Completion Date 2024
Main Contractor Matrod Frampton
Project Engineer Godsell Arnold Partnership
Energy Consultants Power Naturally
Energy Assessor Company Thermal Acoustics
Glazing Marco Architectural Aluminium
Tiles Pietracasa
Photography Jonathan Gooding
