The Sea, Sky House designed by Liddicoat & Goldhill, winner of the 2025 RIBA South East Regional Award, showcases how reuse of salvaged materials can create spaces that are contemporary, sustainable, and deeply connected to place.

The self-built home is for partners David and Sophie and their family and is part of a community of three new builds on the seafront in Whitstable on the East Kent Coast.

The design of the building is centred around high sustainability goals, not only to reduce energy consumption but also to minimise the embodied carbon within the structure. David Liddicoat and Sophie Goldhill, co-founders of the architectural practice and known for their restoration work, aimed to embed a material ethic at the heart of the project with their commitment to ‘reclaiming and reusing materials where possible.’ 

The project features reclaimed science lab benches which have been repurposed into timber surrounds and steps, ornate panelled doors from a 1930s public building, reclaimed airport light fittings, and marble blocks salvaged from Brussels’ World Trade Centre, all contributing to an eclectic and layered space. Many of the salvaged materials, fittings, and fixtures were stockpiled early in the years leading up to construction. 

‘We’re developing a new aesthetic using raw and recycled materials, an approach that allows great patina, warmth and durability,’ explained architect Sophie Goldhill. ‘Using natural and reclaimed materials requires a certain playfulness and confidence,’ she adds. ‘Environmental responsibility doesn’t have to be boring.’

If this design resonates with you, here are some similar materials you can find on SalvoWEB to help you get started on your project.

Currently for sale in the Salvo Shop are a variety of Teak and Iroko worktops salvaged by The Architectural Forum from a local school. Above: Reclaimed Teak/Iroko Worktop (200 x 65cm) and Bath surround crafted from reclaimed science lab benches photo: @liddicoatgoldhill © Sam Grady Photography.

The natural garden designed in collaboration with Tom Massey Studios features reclaimed York paving alongside crushed seashells. Salvo Code member Architectural Salvage Source has stocks of York stone flags; the ones pictured above were reclaimed from a church near Oxfordshire. Above: Reclaimed York Stone Flags 80m2 photo: @liddicoatgoldhill Sam Grady Photography.