Maen Valley - Falmouth, Cornwall

This project utilised a two-stage approach to obtaining planning permission for a large contemporary dwelling. Initially an outline planning permission was achieved to replace the existing block barn with a new dwelling. Following this, a full planning permission was achieved for the construction of a two-storey dwelling. The site is a sloping site located near to Maen Valley Holiday Park.

The design responds to the significant slope of the site by proposing a reverse living layout. The brief included a large open plan living space with views out to the garden, five bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool opening out to the lower planted courtyard. Our landscape architect developed a design for the lower courtyard, proposing an enclosed, sheltered space with planted stepped terraces responding to the gradient. A simple pool and water feature add movement and sound and provide a focal point from the overlooking windows of the main living accommodation. A hedge separates the courtyard from the entrance drive, with white stemmed birch trees beyond, to visually link with the wider garden and landscape.

The palette of materials chosen includes timber and stone which took reference from typical farmstead developments and echoes the local vernacular. The form of the design is traditional with gabled massing broken vertically through the use of materials. The roof is natural slate with hidden gutters. The use of hidden gutters removes such domestic elements as fascias and exposed gutters, referring to the typical clean gables of barn type buildings rather than more common residential construction.

Construction commenced on site in 2022 and completed in early 2024.