Orlagh chalet, Whitsand Bay

UNIQUE STYLE

For small spaces

This is no ordinary beach hut: built for the luxury rental market, our brief was to create a unique and private hideaway for couples wanting to escape it all.

Our clients purchased a chalet on the site in 2016 with the intention of rebuilding the property for holiday letting through luxury rental site Unique Homestays.  Our response to their brief was a contemporary architectural design finished in natural materials to complement and recede into the cliff-side setting, sheltering a glamorous retreat within.

A new curved roof defines the exterior, its glulam timber structure giving a natural, rhythmic quality to the interior.  The roof is finished in standing seam zinc, in a dark matt finish to complement the tone of external Siberian Larch cladding.  A rooflight above the bathroom, designed to provide views of the night sky in a location untainted by light pollution, is angled away from the access path.  Renewable energy is provided by solar panels sited on land in front of and below the chalet, hidden from view.

BRINGING

the team together

The interior was designed to deliver the luxurious touches typical of boutique rental properties.  Dark oak flooring and sintered stone kitchen worktops are off-set by a striking velvet sofa, rich greens, and gold accents including a bespoke brass sink.  The bathroom features nautilus waterproof wallpaper with a freestanding bath and stone basins, all leading to the reading nook and  outside hot tub.

Orlagh offers the ultimate comforts of modern life and style while being situated on the rugged and wild cliff overlooking Whitsand Bay and Rame Head peninsula.  Very much connecting inside and outside, the design encourages visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the elements, be it basking in the summer sun or snuggled up by the wood fire in a winter storm.  While the sea view is the real canvass, the sumptuous but clean interior promises to gently enrich and revive Orlagh’s guests.

Key to the successful delivery of the project was bringing together a collaborative team.  The building contract was directly negotiated with Bling Construction, a new start-up business led by an experienced, conscientious builder keen to demonstrate his skill and finesse on a high-end project.  With communication expertly mediated by designer, Fleur Powell, the team of client, architect, builder and engineer approached the construction stage with a solutions-focussed, co-operative mindset.  The resulting finish speaks for itself – attesting to vision of the clients and designer, and the combined talents of a successful team.