Sea Reach

Metters and Wellby Architects have successfully secured planning permission for a contemporary extension and transformation of an ageing bungalow in Widemouth Bay. The project presented significant design and planning challenges, particularly in gaining approval for a substantial height increase while maintaining harmony with its surroundings. The result is a highly efficient, modern family home that meets the client’s aspirations while improving sustainability and aesthetics. 

Client Profile

Our client is a local man who has purchased this property as his new primary residence for him and his family. Committed to building his forever Cornish home, he is dedicated to using local suppliers, builders, and contractors. This not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also contributes to the local economy, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines North Cornwall. 

Challenges & Planning Success

The original bungalow suffered from poor insulation, outdated glazing, and an inefficient heating system, resulting in excessive energy consumption (EPC rating: 53, Band E). The client required additional accommodation, leading to a design that increased the building’s height to create usable roof space. The key planning challenge was overcoming concerns regarding massing and proportionality, ensuring that the design integrated seamlessly with the existing streetscape while maximising internal space and energy efficiency. 

To achieve this, we: 

• Conducted detailed site assessments and massing studies to identify opportunities for extending the footprint and increasing the height while respecting the character of the area. 
• Developed a twin-apex approach to break up the mass of the frontage, preventing a bulky, disproportionate appearance. 
• Used asymmetrical forms to align the eaves and ridge heights with neighbouring properties, ensuring the new design remained in keeping with the surrounding architecture. 
• Steepened the roof pitch to match the local vernacular, replacing the original shallow pitch that felt out of place in the setting. 

The careful balancing of these factors allowed us to gain planning approval for a significantly enlarged home without overwhelming the existing streetscape—a testament to our expertise in navigating complex planning requirements. 

Design Vision & Key Features

• Ground Floor: Entrance lobby, open-plan kitchen/lounge/diner, WC, snug, bedroom, utility/plant room, and access to the rear garden. The design maximises westward views. 
• First Floor: Master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room (oriented to capture sea views), additional bedrooms, and a shared bathroom. 
• Aesthetic Approach: Clean, simple forms with a limited material palette, high-quality detailing, and an emphasis on traditional gable-ended forms found in Cornish architecture. 
• Energy Efficiency: External insulation wrap for the ground floor, highly insulated timber frame roof, south-facing solar panels, and an air source heat pump to significantly enhance energy performance. 

Client Testimonial

 “I used Metters and Wellby Architects as they seemed to be the most prominent firm in North Cornwall with their signs on the biggest and best projects. I wasn’t disappointed—their local planning knowledge and design expertise got me exactly what I wanted. Very pleased with the service.” 

Next Steps

We are now preparing the technical and building regulation drawings and will be assisting the client in assembling their construction team. The project is on track to begin on-site as soon as possible, transforming this ageing bungalow into a contemporary, energy-efficient family home.