Stourvale Road
Contemporary Railway Townhouses
Nestled within a narrow plot at the edge of Southbourne, Dorset, this project transforms a constrained brownfield site into a pair of contemporary townhouses. Originally approved for a block of apartments, the design pivots towards creating two highly efficient, modern homes that respond to the increasing demand for small family housing in this thriving community. The outcome is a reinterpretation of the townhouse typology, one that combines modern design aesthetics with efficient use of space and a sympathetic relationship to its surroundings.
Project Director: Derek Williams
Status: Complete
The design concept centres on maximising the potential of the narrow plot while ensuring the townhouses retain a sense of openness and contemporary elegance. The townhouses are carefully arranged to fit within the site’s constraints, with each home designed to offer a highly efficient layout that uses every inch of space. The form of the buildings reflects a contemporary reimagining of the traditional townhouse, with an emphasis on clean lines, simple materials, and functional elegance. Vaulted first-floor areas add height and light, creating an open feeling that belies the building’s compact dimensions. The resulting design is a series of modern homes that feel larger and more expansive than their exterior size suggests.
Completed in 2018, the project emerged from the limitations of a narrow site positioned between a raised railway embankment and a suburban context. Responding to the private client’s aspiration to create family-oriented homes in this sub-optimal location, DMW were presented with a unique challenge in terms of noise and privacy. The project contributes to the ongoing evolution of Southbourne by providing high-quality housing. Careful detailing of the brickwork and roofing further ensured that the finished product would be of high quality, with a focus on craftsmanship and long-term durability. The development enhances the streetscape, creating a modern contrast to the surrounding properties while respecting the established architectural character of the neighbourhood.