Westcliff - Porthtowan, Cornwall
Set in an elevated position on Westcliff overlooking Porthtowan Beach, the project occupies an exceptional site on Cornwall’s north coast, with expansive views across the beach and Atlantic beyond.
The original property comprised a single storey dwelling, together with a detached ancillary outbuilding used for recreational purposes and an annex. Positioned within a challenging, multi level site, the prominent coastal location presented a unique opportunity to create a contemporary home that responded sensitively to its surroundings whilst making the most of its elevated position.
Following the successful grant of planning permission in April 2023, the existing dwelling was demolished and replaced with a new two storey, flat roofed contemporary home. The new dwelling occupies the footprint of the original property, albeit marginally smaller, and has been carefully designed to maximise views towards the coast whilst creating strong connections between the internal and external spaces.
At ground floor, an open plan kitchen, living and dining space forms the heart of the home, opening directly onto a timber terrace and external entertaining area. A shower room and WC, together with a practical boot and utility room, provide additional functionality. A feature stair sits centrally within the main living space, with a generous rooflight above bringing natural light deep into the heart of the plan.
The first floor provides a considered arrangement of private spaces, including a master bedroom with adjoining dressing room, study and ensuite bathroom, alongside two further bedrooms, one with its own ensuite, and a separate family bathroom. An external bridge connection provides access to the raised garden and rear pathway, creating an additional connection between the house and wider site.
Materiality was central to the design from the outset, with the client closely involved throughout the design and detailing process. The external palette combines high level vertical timber cladding with low level natural stone, predominantly across the south and west elevations. The use of stone draws inspiration from the local engine houses and historic mine workings, whilst copper cladding references Cornwall’s rich mining heritage.
Brown black aluminium window frames provide a subtle and refined contrast to the natural materials, complementing the contemporary form of the building whilst allowing the surrounding landscape and coastal views to remain the focus.
Sustainability was also carefully considered throughout the design. The roof incorporates a combination of sedum planting and solar panels, alongside a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery system which circulates warm, filtered fresh air throughout the home. Together, these measures contribute to the building’s energy performance whilst integrating sustainable technologies into the overall architectural design.
Completed in 2025, Westcliff demonstrates how a challenging and highly prominent coastal site can be transformed through a carefully considered combination of architecture, materiality and landscape. The finished home provides a contemporary response to its setting whilst drawing on the character, materials and heritage of the surrounding Cornish landscape.
RIBA Stages 1 – 6
Photo Credit: Elliot White Photography
