A single-storey sanctuary of flint and steel
Embedded in the Norfolk landscape, Coast House is a beautifully detailed and light-filled home with strong sustainability credentials. This discreet yet distinctive residence earned the 2023 RIBA East Award among other prestigious accolades.
Designed by Hudson Architects, Coast House is a striking but sensitive design that sits lightly within the natural landscape taking full advantage of stunning marsh views. A distinctive gullwing roof anchors the single-storey design, which features a high-ceilinged central pavilion flanked by a flint-clad bedroom wing and Corten pods, completing the property’s unusual form.
We joined the team early in the process, contributing expertise to ensure a highly durable, efficiently constructed and low-maintenance home for this exposed coastal setting.
Materials rooted in place.
The bold palette of materials selected by Hudson Architects combines traditional and contemporary resources. Knapped flint roots the property in Norfolk but with a crisp contemporary finish implemented by our skilled team. We developed and installed Corten steel panels and aluminium cladding as a durable defence against the coastal environment, with concealed rainwater management and continuous shadow gaps to protect the clean horizontal lines. This is balanced by elegant full height glazing, which called for precise reveals and returns to maintain the flawless aesthetic.
Overcoming coastal challenges.
The exposed coastal setting presented unique complexities, from salt-laden winds to challenging ground conditions and restricted village access. Delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project took careful logistical planning, such as timed deliveries, strict on-site safety measures and adapted sequencing to maintain momentum despite supply-chain pressures and programme risk.
Exceptional performance.
Built to an incredibly high specification, Coast House achieves impressive environmental credentials through advanced construction techniques and sustainable technologies.
We coordinated a structure that supports long, open spans within the single-storey plan, using highly insulated concrete raft foundations and precision timber frame construction with airtight membranes and blown-in insulation.
Marine-grade glazing throughout the building provides resilience against the harsh changeable weather and an MVHR system controls ventilation and indoor air quality. On the roof, photovoltaic panels deliver renewable energy supported by battery storage, and sedum planting enhances insulation as well as supporting local biodiversity.
The finished home performs better than even the most optimistic pre-construction energy calculations predicted.
"We have an exceptional team and are delighted to see their hard work on this incredible project recognised by such prestigious awards.” JODY MURFIT, DIRECTOR
"The gull wing roof opens up the central space to views of fields to the south and trees to the north. You get this fantastic sense of being part of your surroundings. The house seamlessly extends into the landscape." ANTHONY HUDSON, ARCHITECT
At Coast House, thoughtful craftsmanship brings award-winning architecture to life, enhancing both the coastal setting and daily lives of those who call it home.
