About

Sea, Sky House sits at the eastern end of a small cluster of architect designed homes on the Kent coast, its orientation quietly deliberate: framing long sea views to the north, holding a composed, near windowless face to the street. The pale timber boarding, corrugated cement roof and galvanised steel gutters give it a soft, cloud like presence against the shoreline, understated from the outside, expansive within.

The plan is inverted. Bedrooms occupy the ground floor, arranged along a linear corridor that runs from a panelled entrance and boot room to a principal suite at the far end, with a dressing room, en suite and views across the wild flower garden towards the coast. Two further bedrooms open onto planted courtyards; a guest room incorporates a custom bunk arrangement. Utility room, shower room and bathroom complete the lower level.

The first floor is a single, generous volume beneath a pitched roof, with exposed steel structure, polished concrete floors and light entering from multiple directions. The kitchen, industrial in character, anchored by a large stone island, sits at the centre. A full width sliding window draws the horizon into the room; oversized roof lights shift the quality of light through the day. The roof terrace is set deliberately below the main floor level, preserving the sight line to sea while creating a sheltered outdoor space, with steps leading down to the garden. A mezzanine above holds an office and snug. A study with acoustically separated zoom room sits off the kitchen.

The interiors have a layered, assembled quality: ornate salvaged doors alongside polished concrete, an enormous airport light fitting over the dining table, stone copings repurposed as a hearth surround. Reclaimed materials are used throughout, selected over time, before construction began, giving the house a character that feels inhabited rather than finished.

Sustainability is integral: MVHR, photovoltaics, air source heat pump, underfloor heating and high-spec insulation throughout. The house holds an EPC A rating.

Winner of a 2025 RIBA South East Award.