The Brief – the initial brief was to remodel and extend the existing outdated bungalow to form a contemporary beachside family home set within the heart of Porthtowan.  The existing property was a single storey dilapidated 1970’s bungalow with white rendered walls, pvc windows and concrete interlocking tiles on the roof set within a large plot. The initial scheme sought to transform the original bungalow with the addition of a first floor (retaining the external walls and foundations) but also to increase the footprint of the property with a rear and side extension.   Internally the property would be reconfigured to form an open plan living space with four Bedrooms, Home Office, Sun Room and Garage.  Natural materials would be incorporated both internally and externally and the property would be naturally lit via large glazed units, rooflights and bi-fold doors. The resultant scheme would result in a well proportioned, contemporary family home and by re-using much of the original structure would also importantly be cost effective.  

 

The Design – the proposed scheme aims to utilize the existing structure of the bungalow by building up a lightweight timber frame off the original walls to form living accommodation within the roof space.  The property will sit down within its environment being one and a half storey high in keeping with the surrounding properties.  This involved detailed design at first floor level to form an internal layout that worked within the restricted roof height.  A side and rear extension will be added as well as a wrap around conservatory and patio which completes the rear design opening out into the spacious rear garden. 

 

The design and style of the property is to be contemporary beachside family living.  The finishes are to be suited to the sea environment with minimal maintenance.  At ground level the walls are to be rendered smooth with white painted finish and the timber frame above will be finished in natural timber boarding.  Dark grey slimline aluminium windows and doors will complement the slate roof.   The glazed gables will be formed in oak and an oak entrance canopy and fascias will complete the external appearance. 

 

The existing property has been remodelled internally to facilitate 21st century living, with open plan accommodation and vaulted ceilings, complemented by structural oak beams and a light contemporary beachside interior. Elements of oak frame would be incorporated internally to raise the profile of the property with a glazed gable, feature trusses and oak frame internal bridge linking the original bungalow to the extension at first floor level.  Internally the property has been re-configured to suit the current owners, with an open plan Kitchen and Dining Room with a Living Room to the rear opening out into the wrap-round Conservatory.  The ground floor will also have a Guest Bedroom with family Bathroom as well as entrance cloakroom and separate ‘Doghouse’.  The entrance hall will be vaulted with stairs leading up to the first floor bedrooms.  The landing will overlook the hallway and the vaulted Dining area below leading to the Master Bedroom with Ensuite.  Two further attic rooms and a Shower Room complete the first floor. 

 

Green Agenda - initially we sought to upgrade the original fabric of the bungalow but due to an unfortunate discovery of a localised mine addit once works had commenced, (despite a thorough mining survey prior to work commencing), it did give us the opportunity to further improve the green credentials of the project as the project became a ‘new build’ and subject to zero VAT.  The house retained the original overall design but aimed to improve on the basic build levels required by the current building regulations.  This included high quality natural materials with low embodied energy, high levels of insulation, natural daylight via rooflights and glazing, underfloor heating backed up by a woodburner as well as efficient appliances throughout which all help to minimise the consumption of building materials and energy. 

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Project work undertaken by CAD before construction could take place included design concept and sketch schemes, full planning and building regulations approval, construction drawings as well as specification of works.

 

Build Route – Self Build

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Completion Date – On site