Indoor-outdoor living on the Suffolk coast
Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Suffolk coast, this contemporary residence replaces a former farmhouse and is arranged around retained red-brick agricultural buildings. The project required careful coordination to meet planning sensitivities while delivering a highly engineered modern structure.
Video by Studio RHE
The house is organised along a full-length central gallery that connects the principal living areas and accommodation wings. Its structural system combines glulam timber beams with a steel portal frame, enabling large spans and cornerless construction. Oversized, concealed-framed glazing units provide uninterrupted views while maintaining structural integrity and thermal performance.
Externally, the building incorporates black zinc cladding, traditional barn materials, corrugated metal and galvanised steel. Internally, the material palette includes precast concrete, marble and exposed timber. An 18-metre pool runs alongside the main living space and required detailed structural and waterproofing coordination.
Photovoltaic panels provide low-carbon heating, and the layout incorporates sheltered courtyards to address prevailing coastal winds.
At approximately 6,000 sq ft, the residence demonstrates Avoncrown’s ability to deliver technically complex, architecturally led projects with precise structural execution and a high standard of workmanship throughout.
Photos by Dirk Lindner
