Perched on the edge of Swanage Bay within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this early 20th-century timber-framed beach house has been carefully reimagined by Architecture for London. The renovation respects the home’s historic roots while introducing considered, contemporary details that celebrate coastal living.
Originally part of a military encampment that later became a close-knit coastal community, the property sits within the Ballard Estate and retains much of the estate’s quiet, low-profile character. The project adapts the original single-storey timber form into a comfortable, efficient home, balancing preservation with modern performance and a calm, earthy interior palette.
Refurbished in close collaboration with a client who wanted a practical coastal base, the design uses tactile natural materials throughout: timber floorboards, lime plaster walls, terracotta accents and cork insulation. The team adopted a “fabric first” strategy, improving the building envelope through high-quality insulation, triple-glazed windows and durable exterior cladding. British Western Red Cedar, finished in breathable black linseed paint, was chosen to help the house sit quietly within its coastal setting.
The exterior language remains respectful to local heritage: charcoal-stained cedar cladding, a low-slung bungalow silhouette and simple rooflines maintain the estate’s familiar rhythm. A dry-stone wall softens the edge between the house and the public lane, and a slatted timber gate provides discreet privacy while allowing light and air to pass through.
Inside, the living room is layered and tactile. A plush, rust-toned modular sofa anchors the space, while a wood-burning stove offers both warmth and a focal point for winter evenings. Soft rugs, cushions and sculptural lighting introduce texture and personality, and carefully chosen art adds playful, graphic moments without overwhelming the calm atmosphere.
The kitchen is light and functional, with open timber shelving, a chequerboard tile backsplash and warm timber countertops that contrast with darker cabinetry. The layout emphasises ease of use and durability, welcoming sandy feet and wet kit after a day on the beach while remaining visually refined.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a pared-back dining nook features a chunky pine table, black spindle chairs and simple abstract artwork. It’s a relaxed spot for slow breakfasts, casual meals and evenings spent recounting the day’s surf or walks along the shoreline.
The bathroom pairs a freestanding tub with a walk-in rainfall shower, set against cream vertical paneling and stone-look floor tiles. Generous natural light and a neutral, tactile palette create a spa-like environment that feels restorative after a day outdoors.
The bedroom continues the theme of tactile simplicity. A light upholstered headboard, rustic wooden side table and layered linens create a calm, comfortable retreat. Warm oak flooring runs throughout, tying the rooms together with a continuous, natural base.
Sustainability is central to the refurbishment. Cork insulation, triple glazing and breathable natural finishes reduce energy demand and improve indoor comfort. The project embraces low-energy principles and careful detailing to deliver a home that feels both comfortable year-round and in tune with its coastal location.
This sensitive retrofit demonstrates how modest coastal buildings can be transformed through thoughtful material choices and careful design. The result is a home that feels rooted in place, respectful of history, and refreshed with a contemporary, relaxed aesthetic.
Architect: Architecture for London
Location: Ballard Estate, Swanage, Dorset
Photography: Building Narratives
Into black timber and laid-back design? This relaxed bungalow transformation demonstrates how a refined, natural material palette and thoughtful retrofit strategy can create a calm and contemporary coastal retreat.