The Lookout

The Lookout is typical of the bungalow archetype of the 1970s in design, layout and constructional form. The location, on the North East coast near Alnwick, Northumberland means it commands stunning views across open fields towards the nearby beach of Boulmer Haven.

The clients brief was to evolve this dwelling into a contemporary home that would have lower yearly running costs, resolve issues of existing fabric damage due to coastal location, resolve internal spatial issues of existing bedrooms, create a better use of the circulation within the plan of the dwelling, and maximise the location and views from the dwelling.

The architect's approach was to create a new archetype using as much of the original dwelling as possible in order to achieve a lower overall cost for the project. The original layout was, in the main, retain with considered amendments to the internal partitions and walls to maximise the bedroom layouts to allow for the clients grandchildren to each have a bedroom space when they stay.

The original services were retained and the proposed wetroom located to create a new services viod between this space and the existing bathroom, thus reducing overall costs. The wet room was requested by the client to allow for level access for a bathing area. The sun lounge to the rear utilises and maximises the views across the field and towards to nearby beach.

The roof overhang allows for control of direct sun into this area of the dwelling and retains a lower internal temperature to this space and the linked kitchen area due to this over hang. The over hang also serves as a lighting point for the external deck, an external request of the client, again to maximise views.