R I V A A R C H I T E C T S

The redevelopment of the former Bergerac Hotel was split into 3 distinct phases: 1) Conversion and refurbishment of existing 24 self-catering units to become 1-bed flats. Demolition of Hotel to make way for: 2) 12 No 1-bed flats over a two storey block and 3) 5 No 4-bed houses and double garages. This project refers to the second phase.

To maximise the best asset of this site, the building was designed so that the maximum number of units could benefit from the elevated sea views over Portelet Bay. Notwithstanding this, four flats are located to face North. To improve their quality, the section through these flats was animated to the third dimension, so that there was an element of two-storey high space over some areas of the building. The building also makes more than just a fleeting reference to the rural nature of its site by the selection of its external materials and the fact that its North elevation is more ‘protective’ and enclosed when compared to the Southern elevation. The entrance to the development is marked by a feature two-storey high atrium, which is partially enclosed with glass blocks, thus setting the theme for the development. The opposite end to this feature is balanced by the cylindrical escape stair drum, which is wrapped in untreated cedar wood.