Balanced high on a cliff in south Cornwall, overlooking the sea, the architecture of the home allows the client to realise their dream of modern coastal living. With a close interaction with the vast and ever changing ocean, and an uninterrupted panorama of the horizon, this replacement dwelling exploits the site’s topography to frame the stunning sea views.
The design places the main living accommodation on the upper floor, where the spectacular views can be enjoyed from the lounge, dining room and kitchen. Three ensuite bedrooms are located on the lower floor, each with direct access to a southerly facing terrace.
The elevations are a careful composition of solid and void, pairing render with cedar cladding to create a layering of the facade to help frame views while a suspended external staircase provides an easy link to the garden spaces from the upper floor balcony.
The house is constructed using a highly insulated timber frame. The efficient thermal envelope, coupled with good levels of air tightness result in a house that is cheap to run, with an air-source heat pump feeding the underfloor heating and photo voltaic panels helping to offset any electrical demands. A sedum roof slows down water run off, while providing a microclimate for insects and bird life, as well as providing a more pleasant ‘elevation’ to those properties behind.
Client testimonial:
“We were fortunate to be introduced to KAST Architects as they began their new architectural practice in Cornwall. They immediately had the vision to sketch an outline plan which captured both the view and our desire for a modern open plan design. The final design is almost identical to the initial concept sketched on the back of an envelope.” The project was KAST Architects’ first commission as a new architectural practice.
Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Western Red Cedar timber cladding
Silicone through colour render by Mapei
2. Flooring: Engineered timber flooring to upper floor
3. Doors: Fenster Aluminium Framed Windows and Doors
4. Windows: Unislide Aluminium Sliding Doors
5. Roofing: Bauder Single Ply Membrane and Sedum Roof
