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Marine Drive, Torpoint, Cornwall

Our brief was to create a scheme for a new 3 family bedroom dwelling in Torpoint. A Pre-App carried out in early 2016 identified the constraints of the site, however suggested a high quality dwelling may be acceptable if designed appropriately in relation to the surrounding buildings and existing bungalow.  Our clients are a Navy family and have lived in Torpoint all their lives and this dwelling will enable their growing family to stay in their home town.

The concept was to design a compact family dwelling which would replace the existing garage on the site, using some of the extensive front garden of the existing dwelling to provide the rest of the plot.  As the existing dwelling also has a large rear garden taking full advantage of the views over the water, then it is considered that it will not be adversely affected by the loss of part of the garden to the front.

The design is for a split level 3 bedroom property which works with the site rather than against it.  The living area is stepped down from the kitchen and has access to a partially enclosed balcony.  This is set into the structure of the roof to provide a more protected space focussed on the view.  This also means the surrounding properties will not be overlooked.

The materials will reflect the nature of the contemporary Cornish style and will be a combination of timber boarding and render with a natural slate roof and aluminium powder coated windows and timber doors.

Overall the aim is to maximise the use of space on a fairly constrained site and to provide a young family with adequate living accommodation and therefore the building works hard to achieve this.  At the same time it is hoped that the external appearance is kept fairly simple and elegant and would therefore be a positive contribution to the site and the street.