The Shack has been a really creative and rewarding project. Located near the Norfolk coast in a flood-risk area, it has no mains services such as gas or electricity. Like many buildings along the beach, it was piecemeal and ramshackle, built up over the years. The clients were tired of repainting peeling paint every year, wanted a better sea view, and were drawn to the idea of insulating the shack to create a warmer, cosier space for their free time.

From the outset, we wanted to avoid off-the-shelf cladding and focus on reuse where possible. We chose reclaimed metal from the local scrap yard, a highly sustainable option that requires minimal upkeep and is resilient to flooding. Other finishes were left deliberately raw and unfussy, including plasterboard without skim or paint, exposed brickwork, and plywood additions, creating a robust and low-maintenance finish.