Two semi-detached, two-storey new-builds in Charmouth, Dorset appear as one bungalow from the front and two from the back thanks to their innovative Y-shaped design and the ingenious use of a slope
When a couple bought a small, steeply sloping plot of land in the village of Charmouth, near Lyme Regis in west Dorset they planned to replace the bungalow that stood on it with two, two-storey properties.
Charmouth is located on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the local planning department required any designs to retain the street rhythm of the neighbourhood's detached, single-storey bungalows.
Winchester-based architects AR Design Studio came up with an ingenious idea that satisfied both clients and planners: two, semi-detached properties contained in a single Y-shaped structure.
From the street-facing front, the design reads as a single, one-storey building in keeping with its neighbours. At the back, the site slopes down towards the beach and the two properties angle away from each other. The slope allows for hidden lower levels, giving the properties the appearance of two detached bungalows.
Specifying natural slate at Charmouth
This was a fabric-first project that prioritised energy efficiency through the use of high-performance materials and thoughtful construction techniques.
Natural slate was chosen for the roof and the cladding of the upper storeys, which culminate in two main spaces featuring striking gabled glass elevations overlooking the sea.
AR Design Studio specified Cupa Pizarras Cupaclad 101 Random cladding for its outstanding performance against coastal conditions and its striking look - a playful arrangement of three slate sizes that adds a dynamic touch.
The modern design of the building has several complexities that posed challenges for the slate installation team, including the junction between the roof and the cladded wall, hidden gutters and a low-pitched design.
'I had never worked with Cupaclad before,' says Joe Mew of main contractor Mew Developments, 'but the slate worked well with the design and left a nice finish.'
It was also a first for AR Design Studio's Anna Rezin: 'The natural slate product helps to maintain the aesthetics and rhythm of the Charmouth surroundings. We've since gone on to specify Cupaclad on other projects too and highly recommend it for its sleek external finish and concealed fixings.'
The combination of a stunning modern design, craftsmanship and natural slate has created a striking, timeless look.
Find more on this case study at cupapizarras.com/case-studies/jurassic-coast-charmouth
For more information and technical support, visit cupapizarras.com
Contact:
020 3318 4455
uk@cupapizarras.com