Daylesford

Maximising sea views on Guernsey’s south-coast cliffs. DLM was appointed to expand upon a previous planning approval, develop detailed design and oversee works to completion for a new-build family home on Guernsey’s south coast. Our approach was to configure the space to encourage a generous but efficient circulation and access between internal and external spaces, with a better relationship to the site’s topography. Due to the exposed cliff-front location the home was constructed from insulated concrete formwork, providing a thermally efficient and robust envelope to achieve maximum airtightness and minimise running costs. An open-plan ground floor layout provides uninterrupted coastal views and connection to the external terraces and garden. High ceilings and full-height glazing maximise natural light into the deep plan, and adjustments in floor and ceiling levels inform the transition between spaces. Externally, zinc, cedar and render clad the building and will weather sympathetically into the surroundings, reflected subtly inside with natural pigment plasters, oak joinery and steel highlights. The obsessively clean detailing contrasts against the soft natural material palette, giving a homely feel to a sharp, contemporary building.