4 minute read
REAL HOME
CAUGHT
in theBREEZE
The first properties on the shortlist for the RIBA House of the Year have been announced and one certainly stands out on the East Sussex coast
Photos by RICHARD CHIVERS
Seabreeze – a playful, pink, concrete clad house on the East Sussex coast – along with The Red House – an imaginative new brick building in rural Dorset – were the first two homes to be shortlisted for RIBA House of the Year 2022. The annual award is presented to the best new architectdesigned house or extension in the UK, with the shortlisted houses revealed on Grand Designs House of the Year, Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 4.
Seabreeze is experimental and delightful – and pink! A unique interpretation of a beach house, it has been designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment while still embracing the light-hearted pleasures of the English seaside.
Located on the East Sussex coast, directly backing onto the natural sand dunes and with outstanding views across the beach and the English Channel to the south, Seabreeze can only be accessed – and could only be built – by driving along the beach. The architects recognised that they would have to design a robust building to cope with the extreme weather conditions, with high winds, moving sand and salt air. They chose a simple shape – an abstraction of the neighbouring buildings, reminiscent of a child’s drawing of a house.
This simplicity is enhanced by the decision to omit gutters and window ledges, all of which act as ledges for sand. Instead, the architects designed the windows to be flush with the external faces of the house – and it is here that the building’s experimental aspects come into play: the building has been externally finished in trowelled micro fibre concrete with a pink pigment, to create a sealed external envelope. They considered the external material selection carefully so that it is robust and strong. However, the pink pigment in the finish softens the visual impact and sets the building off against the dramatic and ever-changing backdrop of the sky and beach – and of course speaks of ice cream and candyfloss.
The festive character continues inside, but here the pleasures of leisure time are taken seriously, with bespoke joinery containing drinks cabinets and kitchen cupboards. Excellent detailing and space planning mean that the small size of the building is focused on harmonising the activities inside with the spectacular setting. A mini spa is nestled at the back of the ground floor, with a timber stair rising to wood-lined bedrooms with commanding views.
Seabreeze is by RX Architects, shortlisted for the RIBA South East Award 2022
Safe PLACE
When it comes to 2023, why our homes are continuing to be havens from the outside world
By EMMA VANS AGNEW
As we continue to spend more time at home, it means we value our surroundings and want to make our homes homelier and more comfortable. As a result interiors are set to get ‘softer’ in 2023, as we make them a safe haven from the outside world.
We have seen a huge increase in soft shapes for furniture and furnishings. Headboards with scalloped tops, chairs with scalloped bases, camel backed sofas, and pretty shaped pelmets will be in demand. The use of trimmings will be as popular as ever – there won’t be a cushion without a frill or fluffy fringe, a curtain without a tassel on the leading edge, or an inset braid, a blind without a bobble.
Gone are the hard drum shades, welcome the pleated, gathered, ruffled shades with stunning details that transform wall lights and table lamps. Made from beautiful block print fabrics, tribal prints, old silk saris, pretty embroidered cottons, and box pleated bold stripes, there are some really clever designs coming on to the market.
The softening of pelmets, whether attached or flop-over for a more cottage feel, or a shaped stiff pelmet adding the detail of an extra trim make all the difference. Together with pretty trims on curtains, fan
MINDTHEGAP
edging on the leading edge, a fluffy ruche, or an inset braid, these are all details that can transform the plainest of fabrics into a much more sophisticated look. Furniture is also getting an uplift; the more details you add will create a more interesting room.
When it comes to the most popular colours, green looks set to continue its run as the top choice. This is the third year in a row that the number one colour is emerald green. We also predict that soft yet bold hues of lavender and mauve will be in favour.
Propelled by increasing anxieties over climate change and the availability of high quality, good-for-the-planet products on the market, eco-friendly design approaches have gained momentum. Factors such as responsible sourcing of materials to repurposing waste and reducing over-production will gain greater importance during 2023.
Next year I expect to see this continuing as a fundamental part of how brands produce and promote their products. A move towards decorating using natural fabrics like hemp, wool and recycled fibres is predicted for 2023. We are also taking into account where our products are being produced in an effort to reduce the impact of global transportation. With a big rise in 'British made' wallpapers and fabrics, I anticipate this being a major consideration for consumers.
FABRICS & PAPERS
Emma Vans Agnew is the Design Director F&P Interiors. See more at fabricsandpapers.com
