INCA EWI Case Study: Hope Bay 1, Kingsdown, Deal, Kent

Hope Bay 1 is a striking contemporary coastal home set high on the White Cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Designed by WMA Architects, the 310m² replacement dwelling occupies the site of a modest 1930s bungalow and has been carefully conceived to enhance, rather than dominate, its exceptional setting. Every aspect of the design responds to the unique coastal landscape, creating a home that feels intrinsically connected to its environment.

Although contemporary in appearance, the building has been designed to sit comfortably within the landscape. The composition of two simple interlocking volumes creates a sculptural form that opens towards the sea, maximising natural light and uninterrupted views. However, from the public coastal path, the house is intentionally understated. The crisp white rendered façades mirror the chalk cliffs, allowing the building to blend naturally into the surrounding landscape rather than compete with it. This sensitive approach extends beyond the architecture itself. The landscape design incorporates native planting, vegetable patches, a natural swimming pool and wildlife-friendly gardens, creating a sustainable environment that encourages biodiversity while allowing the property to settle seamlessly into its coastal location.

The exposed coastal environment presented significant technical challenges. Strong winds, driving rain and salt-laden air demanded an EWI system capable of delivering exceptional durability alongside exceptional thermal performance. Baumit StarSystem Mineral provided the ideal solution, combining the benefits of a high-performance mineral wool insulation system with outstanding breathability, excellent fire performance and long-term durability. The continuous insulated envelope significantly reduces heat loss while eliminating thermal bridges around the home’s complex cantilevered forms and extensive glazing. This robust building fabric contributes to excellent energy efficiency, stable internal temperatures and year-round occupant comfort, while the vapour-permeable system helps manage moisture within the wall construction – an important consideration in an exposed coastal climate.

Equally important was the visual quality and longevity of the finished façade. The architectural concept relies on precise geometry, crisp horizontal planes and uninterrupted white surfaces that emphasise the simplicity of the design. To achieve this, Baumit CrystalSet was specified. Its innovative 2 step finish was particularly suited to the exposed coastal location, where maintaining the purity of the white façade was critical to the architectural vision. CrystalSet’s unique crystallisation technology creates a hard, mineral surface that is highly resistant to dirt , weathering and biological growth, helping the façade remain cleaner and brighter for longer despite constant exposure to salt-laden air and the elements. The result is a flawless finish that reinforces the clean architectural lines while reducing future maintenance requirements.

The combination of Baumit StarSystem Mineral and CrystalSet enabled the architects to realise their vision without compromise. Deep roof overhangs provide solar shading during the summer months, while the insulated external envelope helps retain warmth during winter, reducing operational energy demand and supporting the home’s overall sustainability strategy. Together, the systems provide a façade that is thermally efficient, breathable and exceptionally resilient, ensuring the building performs as impressively as it looks.

Hope Bay 1 exemplifies how modern architecture and high-performance construction can work in harmony with a sensitive natural setting. Rather than imposing itself on the coastline, the home celebrates the locations natural beauty. Baumit’s EWI & Render systems have been instrumental in delivering this vision, providing the thermal efficiency, durability and immaculate finish required to create a home that is both visually striking and environmentally responsible.

Hope Bay 1 demonstrates the vital role that EWI plays in delivering beautiful, sustainable buildings. The careful specification of Baumit StarSystem Mineral and CrystalSet has ensured the building is equipped to withstand a demanding coastal environment while preserving the clean, timeless appearance that allows it to blend effortlessly into the White Cliffs landscape. It is a project that successfully balances aesthetics, performance and environmental sensitivity.