House at Queslinque

Solution

Despite being used as a defensive outpost from Napoleon to World War II, the Channel Island of Alderney has an abundance of unspoiled beaches and scenic coves. Following success in a RIBA competition to design a hotel on the island, tp bennett was approached to design a private home on one of its remote headlands.

The exposed site was already partly developed, and possessed an excellent aspect across the Alderney tidal race towards the French coast. To make the best of this unique location, the house was designed with a memorable arrival sequence: a private road along the cliff-side, sheltered parking, followed by a short walk to the house. This approach served to isolate vehicles from the house and gain uninterrupted coastal views.

Taking a planar design that took full advantage of the views, the home was fully weather-proofed against Alderney’s biting winter winds, and the construction based upon a modular off-site methodology. The bedrooms and open-plan living space were orientated to benefit from sightlines across the Channel. While the client has yet to implement the design, it remains an inspiring precedent for a contemporary coastal dwelling.