Playa D'or | Denham Youd

Overview

Located in North Ayrshire, this contemporary family home utilises the site to its full potential, taking the opportunity to maximise the coastal views to the west, over the Firth of Clyde and towards the Isle of Arran.

As the site is nestled between a cluster of other residential homes the layout and orientation of the house has been carefully considered. A key part of the design process was to ensure the new home harmonised with the materiality of the adjacent properties, creating a home that feels contemporary whilst still rooted in its local context.

Location

Seamill, North Ayrshire

Client

Private

Budget

TBC

Completion

RIBA Stage 3

Following obtaining planning approval for the same site in 2021, our client approached us with the brief of re-evaluating the design to create a home that better met the needs of the family.

The site is currently occupied by an existing house, and is nestled between other residential buildings in the heart of Seamill. Care has been taken to keep the massing of the new home in line with adjacent properties and sit quietly within the landscape. Our client’s brief has given us the opportunity to reappraise the site and propose a design that utilises the site to it’s full potential.

Design Development

During the design process we arrived at the decision to reposition the building on the site, resulting in the demolition of the existing building. This decision was made as it presents many positive opportunities; including maximising the views, improving adjacency relationships with the neighbouring properties and creates an improved building fabric thermal efficiency and energy efficiency.

Materials

Our material choices were inspired by the local vernacular, the light coloured brick was selected to harmonise with the stone and render materiality of the adjacent properties. Large glazed openings have been utilised to frame coastal views over the Firth of Clyde, bringing the outside in and harmonising the home with its surroundings.

Outcome

Playa D’or is currently in RIBA Stage 3, with the project is awaiting planning. Our hopes for this project going forward is to deliver a high-quality, modern family home that maximises the potential of this unique coastal site while contributing positively to the surrounding built environment.