Sandbanks Road Coastal Home
Sandbanks Road is a three-storey modern coastal home situated along sandbanks harbour in Poole, Dorset. The project involved transforming an ad-hoc extended house into a cohesive and contemporary home.
Sustainability
The design prioritises energy efficiency through enhanced insulation, airtight construction, and renewable energy systems. Reusing the existing structure minimised carbon emissions, while passive design principles reduced energy consumption.
Context & Place
The property’s coastal location inspired the use of contextual materials such as timber and render, reflecting the character of the local vernacular while modernising the home for contemporary living.
People & Communities
By transforming a fragmented property into a unified, environmentally efficient home, the design provides a healthier and more enjoyable living space that respects its surrounding community.
Contemporary Design for a Modern Coastal Home
Footprint Architects are experts in designing modern homes that respect their surroundings while enhancing the living experience. At Sandbanks Road, the goal was to rationalise the building form, unify its facade, and modernise the interiors while minimising the impact on the neighbouring properties.
Key design interventions included:
- Streamlining the building form by removing low-quality, ad-hoc extensions and creating a simple and cohesive architectural language.
- Introducing high-quality contextual materials, such as vertical timber cladding and soft render, to blend with the local vernacular.
- Enhancing natural light with extensive southern glazing and framing views to the garden and harbour, creating strong indoor-outdoor connections.
- Ensuring privacy and harmony with neighbours through thoughtful massing and facade treatment.
Modern Sustainable Design
Sustainability was central to the transformation of Sandbanks Road, with measures taken to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and ensure long-term efficiency. The approach included:
- Passive solar heating enabled by large expanses of southern glazing with solar shading to limit overheating.
- Improving the building’s thermal performance with enhanced insulation, airtight detailing, and energy-efficient materials.
- Utilising natural and local materials, such as timber, to reduce embodied carbon and harmonise the property with its surroundings.
- Introducing renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and heat pump technology
Creating a High-Quality Living Environment
The transformation focused on optimising internal spaces to enhance the quality of life for the owners. The open-plan layout and modernised living areas emphasise comfort, flexibility, and a strong connection to the outdoors. The rear garden is seamlessly integrated into the design, offering tranquil spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Material choices were carefully considered to enrich the coastal aesthetic, with neutral tones and natural textures complementing the surrounding landscape
Coastal Homes
Inspired by its coastal surroundings, the design uses natural materials and neutral tones to reflect the beachside environment. Elements such as timber cladding, soft render, and muted colours create a calming and cohesive aesthetic suited to the coastal setting. Large windows maximise natural light and offer panoramic views, while privacy is maintained with carefully designed landscaping and screening solutions. This approach ensures the home balances an open, airy feel with the privacy and functionality.
Relevant Projects
An Award Winning Affordable Self-Build, Eco-Friendly Home focusing on Passive House Design Principles
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