We were approached by a client with a pair of miner’s cottages on the North Cornish coast, who wanted to create a single 5-bedroom family home.
Within a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plot had the additional complication of being on a steep incline overlooking Travaunance Bay, St Agnes.
Rather than demolish the traditional 1860s stone cottages, we saw an opportunity to combine, extend and connect them with a new contemporary volume to the rear.
The original cottages house ensuite bedrooms, whilst expansive living and dining spaces are provided in the new extension, positioned higher on the hill to enjoy far reaching sea views.
A discrete, underground walkway – expressed as a traditional Cornish dry-stone wall - links the two, navigating the complex topography and offering framed glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
A double height top-lit entrance leads to a single continuous staircase – along with a platform lift providing level access to all floors. A small gymnasium and cinema room are concealed within the hillside.
Externally, the new volume is clad in vertical larch batons - referencing historic local workshops - left to weather naturally. Internally, materials are simple and robust; stone, slate, steel and oak providing natural textures against the rugged landscape.
Our sensitive handling of the historic cottages with a deliberately subservient contemporary addition has created an original home appropriate to its Cornish context and a World Heritage Site setting.
Across the re-graded site, we have reintroduced native plants to blur the building outlines over time and ensure the development sits in harmony with the landscape.
“The process was creative, efficient & practical and the end result true to my initial vision – a calm & peaceful space framing the landscape. I love spending time here; it feels like an escape from day to day life.”
Client