- Project: Dorset Beach House
- Architect: Architecture For London
- Location: United Kingdom, Ballard Estate, Swanage, Dorset
- Year: 2022
- Area: 160 m2
- Photography: Building Narratives
Located on the seafront of Ballard Estate in Swanage, Dorset, the Dorset Beach House is a masterclass in thoughtful coastal renovation. Designed by Architecture for London, this project brings new life to an early 20th-century timber-framed beach house with a sustainable, fabric-first retrofit strategy.
Preserving the Spirit of Ballard Estate
Originally a tented military camp established in 1907, the Ballard Estate evolved during World War I into timber-framed barracks. Many of these were later converted into homes, and despite modernizations, strict local planning policies have helped preserve the estate’s unique historic character through guidelines on massing and detailing.
This conservation ethos underpins the design strategy of Architecture for London. Led by Ben Ridley and Karolina Banasik, the team embraced the estate’s vernacular while upgrading performance to modern sustainability standards.
A Home Reimagined for Kiteboarding and Comfort
Set on the edge of Swanage Bay, the property was purchased by a client with a passion for kitesurfing. The architects collaborated closely with the owner to reconfigure the space into a warm, inviting retreat defined by light-filled interiors and natural materials such as lime plaster, terracotta finishes, and timber floors.
The home’s 160m² interior was reimagined to encourage openness and embrace the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while improving comfort and energy performance.
Fabric-First Sustainability and Low Carbon Strategies
Sustainability is at the heart of this renovation. The design uses a fabric-first approach, with wood fibre and cork insulation, airtight membranes, and a full thermal envelope upgrade. Locally sourced British Western Red Cedar cladding was installed, alongside high-performance triple-glazed windows, ensuring energy efficiency and low embodied carbon.
A breathable coat of black linseed oil paint on the timber façade offers protection from the coastal weather while staying true to the area’s architectural character.
These elements align with Passivhaus principles, prioritizing comfort, reduced energy demand, and climate responsiveness. Director Ben Ridley is a certified Passivhaus designer, which further strengthens the technical rigor behind the refurbishment.
Materiality Rooted in Place
By using materials that reflect local craftsmanship and low-impact sourcing, the Dorset Beach House is both modern and grounded in its regional context. The natural textures, finishes, and muted tones harmonize with the surrounding environment and historic estate homes.
The Dorset Beach House exemplifies how traditional architecture can be preserved and rejuvenated through intelligent, sustainable design. With this project, Architecture for London reaffirms its commitment to creating homes that are not just visually compelling but deeply environmentally responsible.
