Sandbanks Road
Sandbanks Road is a three-storey modern property situated along sandbanks harbour in Bournemouth, Dorset. The project involved transforming an ad-hoc extended house into a cohesive and contemporary coastal home. With improved functionality, enhanced energy efficiency, and a revitalised aesthetic, the design embraces the property’s natural surroundings and capitalises on harbour views.
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.
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.
The design achieves a balanced aesthetic that reflects the property’s beachside location and establishes a contemporary yet sympathetic presence within its varied streetscape.
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
These measures ensure the home is environmentally efficient, future-proofed, and aligned with modern sustainability goals.
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.
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
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.
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.
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Get Your Project Off The Ground
Get in touch today to kick-start your project. Let us know a few details and we’ll be in touch to discuss bringing your vision to life.
