Residential ArchitectureHousesZinc House / OB Architecture

Zinc House / OB Architecture

Zinc House

Zinc House is a contemporary house in a wonderful location overlooking the sea. The house was designed by British studio OB Architecture.

The site presented us with a few challenges. First of all, it was set between 2 traditional, low lying thatched cottages identified as being of architectural significance. Secondly, the views out to sea were only achievable at first floor level, and thirdly, the front, less-private side to the plot faced south meaning there would be a conflict between the road and the proposed garden that would front onto it.

Zinc House 1

We developed a concept of 4 interlocking forms that would give the accommodation required, whilst respecting the scale of the cottages either side and the views they provided to the village. We proposed a long linear timber clad form at first floor, set above a light weight glazed section below, and a white rendered wing to the side with a projecting garage at the end to create a welcoming entrance courtyard. The composition is ‘anchored’ to the site by a double height entrance hall that is clad on the outside in dark grey zinc.

Zinc House 2

The walls were heavily insulated and sealed to create a highly efficient super structure. An air source heat pump provides the heating and hot water and a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system throughout the house recovers the heat from the kitchen and bathrooms to provide warm fresh air in the winter months.

Zinc House 3

The extensive areas of glazing give a constant reminder of the dramatic and ever changing weather in this exposed location: the dappled sunlight breaks through the trees into the kitchen in the morning; the rain showers down on the large rooflights over the dining area during the day; and the sun sets over the sea in the evening, filling the living area with an orange glow captured by the large framed window to the west. Photography: Martin Gardner

Zinc House 4

Zinc House 5

Zinc House 6

Zinc House 7

Zinc House 8

Zinc House 9

Zinc House 10

Zinc House 11

Zinc House 12

Zinc House 16

Zinc House 13

Zinc House 14

Thank you for reading this article!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Swedish House with a Generous View of the Sea

With a high position and a panoramic view over the Baggensfjarden bay, this Swedish house occupies 251 square meters in a very quiet area of Saltsjobaden city from Sweden, situated on the Baltic Sea coast.

Radical Refurbishment of a Mid-Terrace Property in West London

Tucked away in a quiet West London mews, this radical refurbishment of a mid-terrace property, was designed to be more conducive with family life. The design was driven by a desire to enlarge and reorder the property to create a large, open space for the family to spend time together, with an emphasis on arranging the spaces to be interconnected at different levels.

Black and White Slow Living Student Apartment

Located nearby universities within Jakarta, Indonesia, the apartment targeted students within the area with the concept of the student center, with facilities that focus on student necessity.

Retro Industrial Holiday Home / Jam Interiors Group and Sapphire Spaces

José Cortizo, director of Jam Interiors Group, uses this 17th century converted warehouse in Topsham, Devon, as a weekend retreat. Ancient lime washed city walls,...

Family Apartment Renovation in a Preserved Bauhaus Building, Tel Aviv

This renovated apartment is located in a preserved Bauhaus building built in the 1930s in Tel-Aviv. The family apartment is located in the heart of Tel-Aviv, overlooking one of the most beautiful boulevards in the city next to Israel's national theater "Habima".

Recommended Stories