The existing building is  an imposing locally listed Edwardian pavilion in Lyme Regis overlooking the beach and historic harbour. The building was originally built as a substantial boarding house  in 1906 and then subsequently  converted into 5  flats. A number of incongruous additions were added to the front and sides at this time,  as well as numerous changes to elevations. The house had suffered from a lack of investment as well as significant subsidence over the years. rak architecture were appointed in 2020, by the building’s new owners, to return the house to a single family home and to oversee a major refurbishment. Our brief was to improve and declutter the house, creating larger entertaining spaces for family and friends to gather. The design should also optimise the wonderful coastal views and seek to improve the connection to the south facing rear garden. Our design approach is centred around the principles of Edwardian architecture, which shifted away from the heavily ornate late Victorian ‘dark period’ toward a lighter airier style which was influenced by The Arts and Crafts movement. Designs of this brief architectural period embraced natural materials , craftmanship and quality,  with a focus on a simpler and lighter aesthetic character. The solution we have developed  introduces two new side extensions which book-end the original house. These new extensions create opportunities for the house to reconnect to the rear garden via a series of new landscaped terraces.  The larger south west gable extension takes its inspiration from local timber and slate boat-houses. The ground floor interior re-planning opens up the various spaces, establishing a generous, flexible family room. A new cantilevered oak spiral stair links the floors vertically and creates wonderful views as you rise up through the levels.  

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As part of the refurbishment we undertook a major upgrade of the entire thermal envelope, bringing the thermal performance of the building up to modern standards ensuring minimal impact on the historic setting and views from the Cobb.

ARCHITECTURE  - rak architecture

MAIN CONTRACTOR – Joe Mew Developments

KITCHEN / JOINERY – Putty Kitchens

LANDSCAPING – rak architecture / Alice Meacham Gardens