Cliff-House Kent by Foster Lomas

Perched high on the Kentish Coast and commanding dramatic views across the English channel, the Cliff House poses an elegant solution to some very real constraints.

Southwark based Architects Foster Lomas were asked to design a low-cost, low-carbon building in an area prone to land slippage. With a steeply descending site falling quickly away from an exposed timber structure the design of the Cliff House is as dramatic as its Cliff-top setting.

The timber frame construction has allowed for a high level of insulation in the roof, walls and floor without being excessively thick and should guarantee a high level of air-tightness after construction. Coupled with an efficient heating system and some provision of renewable energy, this house has shown that it can easily achieve level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, as was required by the Local Authority.

In addition to this the client’s brief demanded unobstructed southerly views across the English Channel. To achieve this the design has needed to account for the potentially excessive solar gains in summer and high heat losses in winter through large areas of south facing glass.

eb7 were appointed environmental consultants to this project advising on daylighting, solar design, energy and sustainability.

Read more in the Architect’s Journal Cliff House, Kent.