![Seaside House / A2 Architects - Image 1 of 8](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5004/fe27/28ba/0d4e/8d00/13f3/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1375403343)
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Architects: A2 Architects
- Area: 150 m²
- Year: 2010
Text description provided by the architects. A new seaside holiday house occupies the former site of a longstanding summer chalet with existing private access to a beach. Resonating with the scale and placement of neighbouring mobile homes, two untreated douglas fir timber enclosures rest on a cast concrete podium over a drift geology. Shelter unfolds between parallel wall planes to embrace views east over the Irish Sea and west over potato fields.
![Seaside House / A2 Architects - Windows, Facade, Concrete](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5004/fe3c/28ba/0d4e/8d00/13f8/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1375403361)
Viewed from the upper coastal road the grass roofs assimilate into the patchwork of field enclosure. The plan is anchored by a central terrazzo fireplace and a roof lit spine hallway. A datum at 2.1m extends out to the external terraces forming shelter like the cap of a hat above which a continuous south facing clerestory window spans the living room, tracking the sun from morning to evening. Clerestory glazing internally above the built-in furniture brings reflected sunlight into the timber lined bedrooms and bathrooms. A counter level window in the kitchen affords a panoramic view north to the headland.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5004/fe45/28ba/0d4e/8d00/13fa/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1360695522)
A layer of reflective polished terrazzo is laid over the concrete podium and parallel to the horizon in a wave-like rhythm. A coastal garden and raised planter afford privacy to the main bedroom and a sheltered evening terrace enjoys west sun and views of the horizon through the living room. The large seaside family terrace is the focus for daily beach life; a place to gather and enjoy the sun or the shade. Underfloor heating and superinsulation allow year round economic comfort and use.
![Seaside House / A2 Architects - Image 4 of 8](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5004/fe33/28ba/0d4e/8d00/13f6/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1375403355)