Burnham Overy Staithe is a small coastal village poised on the edge of the exposed north Norfolk landscape.

The design for a holiday retreat for the Hall family is centered around a protected open courtyard bounded by existing mature hedgerows (the remnants of a previous domestic garden) and the "L" shaped configuration of the new dwelling. Living and dining spaces open directly into the court at ground level turning this space into a focus of holiday activity.

Taking cues from the historically inventive use of flint, the design attempts to exploit the textural qualities of local materials and assemble them in a way which supports the simple building plan and form.

The hybrid structural solution provides outer walls of cavity construction - a protective skin of coursed flint cobbles framed by brickwork quoins - and a timber frame to the inner courtyard. This black stained Douglas fir frame with flitched galvanised steel connections is highlighted against sky blue spandrel panels, a colour sampled from the local maritime vernacular. This creates a tranquil cloistered route to the principle and provides a lightweight counterpoint to the main dwelling enclosure.

Flint panels, small hand selected pebbles set in resinous mortar and framed within galvanised steel trays, are fixed at first floor level, providing a textured rain screen and crafted feel to the two principle facades.