A landmark home on the wild north Cornish coast is stealthily remodelled

Can you briefly describe the project WillGamble/Architects took on, and its highly unusual context?

The project includes the extension, reconfiguration, and refurbishment of a modest bungalow on a small private island off the north coast of Cornwall. The island that provides its name is connected to the mainland by a simple pedestrian bridge.

The objectives of the project were to reconfigure and extend the existing property to improve its connection with the surrounding seascape while creating additional living accommodation. 

Who is the Island for and what was the brief?

The project is for a private client, who rents the property out as a holiday home with a difference. 

The brief required the floor area to be nearly doubled in size without impacting its visual appearance from the surrounding coastline, due to its landmark status on both a local and national level.

The building also needed reorientating, to better connect with its unique environment and the far-reaching views of the surrounding seascape.

What works did WillGamble/Architects undertake?

We extended into the existing roof space, without altering its height or form. Internally, the ceilings were lowered in parts to accommodate new floor areas within the vaulted spaces. Extra bedrooms were carved out of projecting gable ends, with floor-to-ceiling glass that frames panoramic views of the neighbouring harbour.

To the rear, and out of sight from the neighbouring coastline, a contemporary addition sits within the valley of the roof; its glazed facade steps to address views of the Atlantic. This intervention hangs over the cliff edge and accommodates the new master bedroom.

How did heritage concerns influence the design?

This distinctive building has etched a special place in many people’s hearts – among them visitors, tourists, locals, fisherman, surfers and past residents. It is both a heritage and a landmark building, with its striking red roof and roughcast rendered facade, which has been painted by many artists and written about by many authors. 

A sensitive intervention, sympathetic to its status among the local community and further afield, was a key design consideration from the very outset. For us, it was critical that any proposal was mindful of its rich history and that we retained its special character while extending and improving its relationship with its context.

Can you explain the external treatment of the new additions?

The additions are finished in a robust metal cladding: a coated red steel that is designed to cope with harsh coastal environments. Its colour draws inspiration from the red tiles of the existing roof. 

A new tower, with a floating roof and port hole-style window, projects above the roofline – it is a contemporary reinterpretation of the neighbouring Huers Hut; a historic watch tower used to spot shoals of pilchards. Its occupants would shout “Heva Heva” (here they are!) as the pilchards entered the bay.

How have the interiors been reconfigured and finished?

Internally the floor plan was significantly reconfigured, to reorientate the building so as to better connect with its immediate environment. 

Despite fundamentally changing the spaces within the building, we carefully retained the existing window and door openings to preserve its external appearance. 

Along the ground floor, the key living spaces were opened up so the kitchen, dining and living room now address the sea. 

The original front door was moved to an alternative location, adjacent to the suspension bridge – the old, arched front door has been replaced with a picture window that frames views of the Atlantic. 

The arched detail, above the front door, has been repeated throughout the interiors: over internal door openings, within joinery, and at key features throughout the property to create a playful aesthetic that contributes towards its unique character and fairytale setting.

What has been the project’s approach to sustainability?

The building has been significantly upgraded to improve its thermal performance. Ten solar panels have been installed on the flat roof to generate electricity – while rainwater harvesting tanks irrigate the surrounding garden, minimising surface water discharge off the cliff edge.

Can you describe the main challenge and how you overcame it?

Any building sited on top of an island with its harsh weather, and logistical constraints, will add layers of complexity to the design and construction process. 

But in this instance, the main challenge for us was how to deliver the client's brief without altering the visual appearance of this landmark building from the coastline.

I believe we managed to achieve that objective. Through considered space planning, we maximised the building’s potential, while fundamentally safeguarding its future and landmark status. 

What is your favourite detail in the project?

My favourite detail has to be the arched picture window, once the original front door, which now frames the sea view.

In a moment, it embodies the underlying ambitions of this project, and the lengths that we have gone to retain the character of this building, while completely reorienting the spaces to improve its relationship with the surrounding environment. 

Are there lessons from this project that might be applied elsewhere?

Be careful about the types of materials you specify in coastal locations. They must be robust enough to cope with the harsh marine environment. Take great care in how you detail the external envelope – design with longevity in mind. 

Will Gamble is founder of WillGamble/Architects

Key data:
Total contract cost Private
Area of extension 80m²
GIFA cost £3200/m² + VAT