Modernist beach-front house restoration, Poole, Dorset, UK
CLIENT ADVISER
JENNIFER DIXON
2017 – 2019
CLIENT
CONFIDENTIAL PRIVATE CLIENT
SERVICES PROVIDED
– brief development
– cost prioritisation
– thermal and renewables strategy
– fire and life safety strategy
– procurement strategy
Challenges
Why was a Client Adviser required?
The client is a family trust which has owned the house since its construction in 1967 and expects to hold it in perpetuity for successive generations. After more than 50 years, the building fabric was in an advanced state of decay owing to the high exposure location and the end of design life for certain materials.
Demolition and rebuild was not an option due to the configuration of adjacent properties. There was widespread water ingress, and there was a need for a thermal upgrade strategy to counteract the effect of the large areas of glazing and poor thermal performance of the existing envelope.
Client priorities included improving occupant safety in fully open plan arrangement over 4 levels while maintaining original design intent and unique architectural qualities of the original house and significantly upgrading performance, systems and finishes. Weathertightness and durability of both external and internal materials were other top priorities.
Strategies were required to synthesise several conflicting requirements into a brief which allowed budgetary control and made preparation for a later second phase.
Outcomes
What value was created
A budgetary strategy was established early in the process and costs successfully controlled. High priority was given to new high performance glazed facades and integral shading treatments, renewable energy systems and extensive brick & exposed concrete repairs. Internal finishes, but were simple but of highest durability. Budget shortfalls were allocated to items executable as a later phase, but with all necessary preparatory work undertaken in Phase 1 to avoid abortive work.
The unique design strengths of existing house have been successfully maintained & enhanced. Alterations to the layout were focussed on those areas which had never worked satisfactorily, resulting in overall uplift in quality, functionality and occupant safety.
Post-occupancy energy use is being monitored and adjustments to both system controls and occupant behaviour being tested.
Testimonial
“….. It is wonderful to have our house re-incarnated and fit for the next 50 years of use. Early and detailed focus by the RIBA Client Adviser on unexpected areas of the brief such as robustness of internal materials, solar and privacy controls, and renewable energy have transformed our enjoyment of the house, which has greatly exceeded our expectations..”
