CAREFUL INTERVENTIONS TRANSFORMING THE EXISTING

Working closely with the owners of Island View, Studio BAD has developed proposals to sensitively upgrade an existing chalet bungalow, creating a home that supports the evolving needs of the family. The scheme introduces greater flexibility, improved functionality, and a significant uplift in energy performance for the existing property.

Set within a generous plot in the coastal village of Milford-on-Sea, on the edge of the New Forest, the property benefits from a unique setting between open coastline and woodland. Despite its potential, the existing house is dated, with a fragmented ground floor layout and limited environmental performance. The clients sought to modernise the home, incorporating renewable energy systems while reconfiguring the internal arrangement to better suit their contemporary family lifestyle.

The design approach focuses on enhancing rather than replacing the existing dwelling. A rear ground floor extension introduces a more open and connected living environment, unifying the kitchen, dining and living areas. Large areas of glazing strengthen the relationship with the garden, and maximising natural light internally.

At first floor level, the addition of a rear dormer increases the size and quality of the bedrooms and enables the reorganisation of bathroom spaces, including the creation of a more generous family bathroom. A reconfigured landing further improves functionality, and allows daylight to be drawn deeply into the home.

Together, these carefully considered interventions transform the house into a flexible, energy-efficient family home, better connected to its setting.