The magnificent, secluded site with 180 degree views of the Cornish coastline, was the catalyst for the design of this contemporary family home. Our brief was to design a spacious, luxurious modern home with living accommodation, four bedroom suites, ample cooking and sanitary facilities, storage and ‘back of house’ accommodation.

When the project commenced the site was occupied by a Swiss Chalet style dwelling which was subsequently demolished. Planning permission for a more contextually-sensitive contemporary house built using local slate was achieved in 2011.

Materials and colour palette are in direct relation to the cliff site in which the new building sits. Layered slate is used for the perimeter wall and vertical elements of the building in reference to the slate cliff; timber weatherboarding articulates the curved walls which will weather to a muted grey; glazed walls express the contemporary design, and the sedum roof will help the building blend into the landscape when viewed from a distance. The colours, textures and finishes of the new dwelling express the building’s form while echoing its immediate natural environment.

Internally the house is arranged so that expansive sea views are visible from all rooms, including bedrooms and bathroom suites. The design incorporates green technologies which are suited to the site, the construction, and the client’s requirements.  These include solar panels, a ground source heat pump, and maximising solar gain.