Ruth Caroline Barske

The Beach House creates a temporary residence for the treatment of young women recovering from eating disorders.

In addition to counseling, the facility features two therapies: The first seeks to create unity with nature by experiencing time through the changes in tide, weather and seasons. The second is more innovative, caring for a dog in order to take on responsibility for another being & eventually for one’s own self. 

The site is located directly at the seaside in Margate and was originally used as the beach house for patients of the Royal Bathing Hospital.

The vacant structure with its dominant symmetrical architecture, the back wall protected by the cliffs and the view open towards the sea presents a great framework in which to develop the private, communal and public spaces for the residents.

By following the dominant linear grid of the existing frame, the layout becomes a well understood floor plan. To further enhance the south light and nature an interior hallway open to the sky extends along the entire back wall and is planted with deciduous trees. The private bedrooms facing the sea are transformable by the resident and/or the therapist. The open kitchen with inside and outside communal dining allows the residents to participate in planing and preparation of their meals.

The materials chosen for their texture and neutrality, such as felt, ash wood and chalk, create a canvas on which nature is able to create the tone and emotion for each space.

The Beach House should be a comfortable and active environment that fosters self-care and reflection.