ENHANCING THE EXISTING 

Working with the owners of the house in Brixham, south Devon, Studio BAD have looked to rationalise their home to enhance the existing building. The dwelling is in need of some rearranging to maximise its potential; the house is tall and thin, with a relatively small footprint the house is arranged over three levels, resulting in the interior feeling cramped and each floor feeling disconnected. The house enjoys an elevated site, with stunning views over the harbour but this unique asset is not currently maximised.

Planning permission has been granted, the concept has focused on maximising the internal space, to draw in natural daylight and make the house feel bright and spacious. A key design idea is to introduce an internal courtyard, placed at the rear of the property it helps to make sense of the steep site and brings landscaping within the home, allowing natural daylight to be drawn deep within. The courtyard adds as an extension to the home, be added without creating a dark and shut off interior.

A second move insets a new circulation element to the rear of the property, which helps to filter natural daylight down and assists with bringing unity to the tall house. Taking the circulation out of the house has freed up some interior space, allowing the plan to be reconfigured to deliver a more free flowing circulation.

The proposal looks to frame the views over Brixham harbour with larger glazing inserted and bringing in features such as integrated window seating spaces, to fully enjoy the houses hilltop scenic position.

Additionally, a full review of the fabric of the house will be undertaken, including heating, windows, insulation to deliver an energy upgrade.