14/05/2026
DORSET BEACH HOUSE
This unique project involves the rebuilding of an early 20th-century, timber-framed beach house located on the seafront of the Ballard Estate in Swanage, Dorset. The site sits directly within a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Our client acquired the property for its incredible location on the edge of Swanage Bay, making it an ideal base for kitesurfing. We worked in close collaboration with them to rebuild the previous structure while maintaining the external appearance, as required by the Estate.
SITE HISTORY
The Ballard Estate boasts a rich history. First developed in 1907 as a tented military encampment, the structures evolved during the First World War into more substantial, single-storey timber-framed barracks. While many of these buildings were later converted into homes, strict local planning policies relating to massing and external detailing have preserved the estate’s original character.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The architectural brief focused on creating warm, light-filled interiors that embrace their coastal setting.
Inside the home, we employed a palette of natural, breathable materials. Tactile timber flooring is complemented by traditional terracotta tiles, exposed timber joists, and soft lime plaster walls. The bespoke modern kitchen features durable quarry tiles.
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
The home is highly insulated using natural wood fibre and cork, combined with a comprehensive airtightness strategy. To ensure durability in the harsh coastal climate while maintaining a low embodied carbon footprint, we specified locally manufactured British Western Red Cedar for the replacement cladding, paired with high-performance triple-glazed windows.
Finally, the external timber is finished in a traditional black linseed paint. This not only provides a breathable, weatherproof layer against the sea air but also maintains the visual character of the Ballard Estate.
Architecture:
Photography:
Nick Dearden
