Coastal Wraparound Extension in Selsey
Selsey
A light-filled living and dining extension designed for an exceptionally exposed beachfront setting
This wraparound extension transformed a three-storey coastal home on the western side of Selsey, replacing its former conservatories with permanent, highly glazed accommodation designed to make the most of its extraordinary sea views.
Located immediately beside the beach, the property is exposed to strong prevailing winds and severe coastal weather. The architectural and structural design therefore needed to balance generous areas of glazing with the practical demands of building and maintaining a home in such a challenging location.
Your Home Plans prepared the architectural and Building Regulations drawings, coordinated the structural requirements and provided regular project support throughout construction.
CIAT Chartered Practice · Established 2007 · Chichester & Surrounding Areas
Replacing the former conservatories
The original house had conservatory structures attached to different parts of the ground floor. Although they provided additional space, they did not create the comfortable, integrated accommodation the homeowners wanted.
The new wraparound extension replaced these structures with a permanent dining and living area that connects naturally with the existing house. Its flat-roofed form allows it to sit beneath the upper floors while broad areas of glazing open the interior towards the sea.
The completed extension provides a generous sequence of spaces for dining, relaxing and entertaining, with the coastline forming a constantly changing backdrop.
Making the most of the coastal views
The principal design opportunity was the property’s remarkable position overlooking the beach. Large sliding and folding glazed doors were arranged along the coastal elevations, creating wide views from the living and dining areas and allowing the interior to connect directly with the terrace.
Rather than dividing the glazing with a substantial masonry pier at the outer corner, a cantilevered structural solution was developed. The supporting steelwork transfers the loads away from the corner, allowing the glazing to continue around it with minimal visual interruption.
This fully glazed corner is one of the defining features of the completed extension. It creates a lighter appearance externally while providing panoramic views from within the house.
Designing for an exposed coastal location
The west coast of Selsey can experience particularly harsh winds and severe weather. During spring tides and storms, waves can reach high over the beach and expose the property to wind-driven sea spray.
Materials, structural components and external details therefore needed to respond to this environment. External steelwork was specified with a galvanised finish, while the roof, glazing and junctions required careful detailing to provide a durable and weather-resistant enclosure.
The coastal conditions were not simply a background consideration: they directly influenced how the extension was designed and constructed.
Protecting natural light within the house
The clients were understandably concerned that extending at first-floor level could make the existing landing feel enclosed and reduce its natural light. The roof design and internal arrangement were considered carefully, and sun tunnels were to be incorporated to bring daylight down into the landing, later changed to Velux windows. This allowed the additional accommodation to be created without leaving the centre of the first floor feeling unnecessarily dark.
Both new bedrooms were generously proportioned, allowing each to have its own en-suite while retaining comfortable bedroom space.
Responding to difficulties during construction
The strength of the local winds became very apparent while the extension was being built. Before the structure had been fully completed and restrained, part of a newly constructed wall was damaged and had to be rebuilt.
Incidents of this kind demonstrate the difference between the temporary condition of a building during construction and its final engineered state. Elements that will ultimately be tied together and supported can be considerably more vulnerable while the work remains incomplete.
Your Home Plans was providing project support throughout the build, with regular site visits and additional attendance during important stages including the foundation, steelwork and glazing works. This allowed construction queries and unexpected issues to be considered as the project progressed.
Coordinating the structure and glazing
Achieving the open internal arrangement and extensive glazing required a coordinated system of structural beams and columns.
The cantilevered steelwork had to support the roof while maintaining the open glazed corner. Existing supporting elements were also inspected and incorporated where suitable, with new beams, posts and connections introduced where required.
The construction drawings brought together the architectural design, structural information, insulation, weatherproofing and finishing details needed to turn the concept into a buildable extension.
A new relationship with the sea
The completed project has transformed the ground floor of the house. The former conservatory accommodation has been replaced by a comfortable and cohesive living environment that feels properly connected to the rest of the home.
Internally, the pale finishes and continuous flooring allow the changing colour of the sea and sky to become part of the room. Externally, the simple flat-roofed form and restrained materials allow the extensive glazing and coastal position to remain the focus.
The result is an extension shaped by its setting: open towards the views, carefully engineered at its most exposed corner and designed to provide a comfortable place from which to experience the coastline throughout the year.
Planning an extension in a challenging location?
Properties beside the coast, on exposed sites or with complex existing structures require more than an attractive layout. The structural design, materials, weather protection and construction sequence all need to be considered carefully.
Your Home Plans provides architectural design and technical drawing services for home extensions in Chichester, Selsey and the surrounding towns and villages.