Split Level House Architecture

Split Level Screen House, The Drive, Chalkwell, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, 2023

Located just outside Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, this exciting split level house architecture project involved the conversion of an existing dormer bungalow into a four-bedroom house that increases to three storeys to the rear and opens up to views to the Thames Estuary and the sea beyond.

Split Level House Architecture

Split Level Design

The initial split level idea was conceived by Rhys Cannon of Gruff Architects on his first visit to the site. He saw the opportunity to use the slope of the site to create a three storey rear elevation that opened up views to the sea along the side elevation. This was achieved through the design of a screened double-height courtyard to the rear side elevation. Once planning permission was achieved, it was our task at Anthro Architecture to realise the vision of this concept while also working with the financial constraints of the build.

Split Level House Architecture

Light and Bright Kitchen

The rear basement space includes full-width sliding doors that open directly out onto the rear garden and patio. The cantilevered brise soleil help to provide the perfect amount of solar shading during the summer months. The large rooflight over the kitchen area fills the space with light while also creating visual connections to the screened courtyard above. The kitchen countertops feature a bespoke terrazzo design from Huguet Mallorca (huguetmallorca.com)

Anthro Architecture

Finned Staircase

The split level design helped to create a stairwell that connected each landing with a new floor level. The dappled light created by the pitched rooflight paired with the tall finned oak balustrade, fills the full-height space with a sense of drama, pattern and texture. We used a lime-washed paint finish on the walls to help further enhance the tactile nature of this space. The overall feeling of the space is that of earthiness and warmth.

Anthro Architecture

Master Bedroom with Views of the Sea

The master bedroom is located on the top floor of the property and is nestled under the pitched roof of the property. Full-width glazing opens up via a juliet balcony to views of the sea and down to the terrace below. The deep green walls an ceiling create a sense of seclusion and escape while also concealing full-height wardrobe storage and a secret entrance to the master en-suite.