This 1969 'chalet' bungalow is in a sailing village in West Sussex. The brief was to create a family weekend house as an antidote to London living. The term 'chalet' is derived from the Indo-European root 'Cala' meaning 'shelter' and the original overhanging gable roof of the structure had an affinity, in shape if not in materials, with this form. During the redesign the external walls were retained, the roof space was opened up, rooms reconfigured, a double height living space with mezzanine formed and windows relocated. Replacing the existing elements with a simple palette of raw and natural materials the house successfully captures light and draws nature into the house via framed views of the South Downs.