"Construction of our new seaside dwelling was accomplished in just a week, showcasing an eco-friendly self-built home"
A Modern and Sustainable Coastal Self-Build Near Chichester
Peter and Liz Bosson have completed a remarkable self-build project near the picturesque town of Chichester, replacing their previous beachfront property with a modern, energy-efficient home that reflects future-proofing and sustainability.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The new home boasts high levels of insulation to minimize heat loss and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, have been installed to generate electricity, and solar thermal systems may provide hot water. Air-tight construction, combined with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), ensures fresh air without heat loss. Sustainable and durable building materials, resistant to salt and moisture damage, have been used throughout the house.
- Coastal Adaptation
The design of the house is tailored to withstand harsh coastal weather, including wind, rain, and salt spray. Elevated foundations or damp-proofing strategies combat potential flooding or moisture ingress, while corrosion-resistant materials and finishes have been used on external elements.
- Future-proofing Elements
The internal layouts are flexible, allowing for changing needs over time. Smart home technologies have been incorporated for energy management and convenience, and wiring and infrastructure have been installed to enable future upgrades, such as electric vehicle charging points. Long-lasting materials have been used to minimize future maintenance and replacement.
- Design & Aesthetic
The modern architectural style of the house blends seamlessly with the coastal landscape and surroundings. Large, energy-efficient windows maximize natural light and take advantage of the stunning sea views, while minimizing heat loss/gain. Open-plan living spaces enhance light flow and spatial efficiency, and outdoor living areas have been designed to allow the Bosson family to enjoy the coastal environment comfortably.
- Self-build Approach
Peter and Liz have carefully planned and managed the project, ensuring bespoke customization and control over materials and finish quality. Local trades and suppliers have been used to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.
After selling their family company, Peter and Liz had the opportunity to invest in building a new holiday home. The proximity of the plot to the beach has always been its biggest selling point, and the couple aimed to future-proof their new home with clever design features that look beautiful while remaining functional. The original house was poorly designed and had poor use of space, with around a third of the space lost due to poorly thought-out circulation. The new home addresses these issues, featuring a four-bedroom house with bedrooms all of the same size, that can hold 10 people if necessary. A first-floor balcony has been included to maximize the available sea views.
Peter and Liz Bosson's coastal self-build is a testament to thoughtful design, sustainability, and resilience, reflecting a well-considered mix of energy-efficient construction, resilience to coastal conditions, and future-ready features tailored to their lifestyle and environment.
- To maximize comfort and energy efficiency, renewable tools like solar panels and solar thermal systems have been installed in the home near Chichester.
- The house employs air-tight construction and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to maintain fresh air while discouraging heat loss.
- Sustainable and durable materials, designed to resist salt and moisture damage, have been utilized throughout the home's construction.
- The home's architectural design reflects the coastal landscape, featuring large, energy-efficient windows providing optimal sea views.
- After selling their family company, Peter and Liz Bosson made a strategic decision to renovate and build a new home near Chichester's coast, prioritizing sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
- The original house lacked efficient space utilization, but the newly built four-bedroom home addresses these concerns, offering a flexible layout that caters to changing needs.
- To minimize future maintenance and ensure longevity, long-lasting materials have been used throughout the self-build project.
- The home features a thoughtful integration of smart home technologies for energy management and convenience, with infrastructure in place for potential future upgrades like electric vehicle charging points.
- The Bosson family's coastal self-build represents an exemplary approach to thoughtful design, resilience, and sustainability, creating a modern, energy-efficient, and resilient space that aligns with their lifestyle and home-and-garden aspirations.
