Webster Sheryn Architects and Interior Designers, Devon, UK

Coastguards, Bigbury On Sea

Project: Extensive House Refurbishment & Extension

Location: Dunchideock, Nr Exeter, Devon

Dates: Planning April 2007

Value: £500K

Previously known as 'Squirrels Nest', this 1960's flat roof bungalow is located in a spectacular setting in the village of Dunchideock, just outside Exeter. The proposals are to completely refurbish the existing building and to extend it vertically by one storey. The extensively glazed new first floor accommodation will offer generous open plan living accommodation which will take advantage of the far reaching views.

New bedroom suites will be located at the remodelled ground floor together with an integral garage.

The site has a considerable fall from the rear boundary down to the road and the house acknowledges this by using an external dining terrace to the rear accessed from the first floor. The main entrance to the house is accessed by a gradual sloped and stepped procession up to the entrance from the garage area.

Sustainability is a focal point of this design and therefore the first floor extension will be timber frame with high specification glass infill. Cedar shingles will cover the large roof planes and the majority of the existing building will be re-used.

There is also an 'eco-house' located within the grounds of this development known as 'Walnut Lodge', which will embrace sustainability issues including its own unique effluent treatment plant, purifying soiled water to be re-used.