Architect Cornwall - Sustainable & Modern Architecture
Considering a New Home in Cornwall?
Book a free initial conversation with ARCO2. Whether you’re exploring a coastal home, replacement dwelling, self build project or major renovation, we’ll help you understand the opportunities, challenges and next steps before committing to a design route.
Planning & Site Potential
Understand what may be possible before investing significant time and money. ✓ Planning opportunities and constraints ✓ Site suitability and development potential ✓ Coastal, rural and sensitive locations ✓ Early feasibility advice
Sustainable Design Strategy
Explore how sustainability can improve comfort, performance and long term value. ✓ Low energy design principles ✓ Passive House expertise ✓ Renewable energy opportunities ✓ Environmental performance targets
Costs, Timescales & Next Steps
Gain clarity on the practical considerations that shape a successful project. ✓ Project budgets and likely costs ✓ Design and planning timescales ✓ Procurement and construction routes ✓ Clear recommendations on the best way forward
Start Your Project Conversation
Whether you’re considering a new build, self build, extension, renovation or replacement dwelling, we’d be pleased to discuss your project and help you understand the best route forward.
Explore our Passive House design for sensitive coastal sites in Cornwall.
Why Choose ARCO2
We combine contemporary architectural design with measurable building performance. Our work balances creativity, technical precision and environmental responsibility, delivering homes that are visually refined, carefully detailed and exceptionally comfortable to live in.
About Our Studio
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE
With extensive experience navigating Cornwall’s planning landscape, we guide projects confidently from feasibility through to approval. Our considered design approach and clear technical documentation help reduce risk and support successful planning outcomes.
Understand Our Process
CORNWALL KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Working across Truro, Falmouth, Wadebridge and North Cornwall, we design homes that respond sensitively to landscape, orientation and local character. Our understanding of site context, climate and materials ensures architecture that belongs to its setting.
View Our ProjectsLooking for an architect in Cornwall? ARCO2 is a Cornwall-based architecture practice designing beautiful, high-performance homes with a clear focus on sustainability, comfort and long-term value. From early concept and feasibility through to planning, technical design and delivery, we help clients create bespoke homes that respond to Cornwall’s landscape, climate and planning requirements.
Whether you’re planning a self build, a new home, a major renovation or a carefully considered extension, our team combines contemporary design with a considered low carbon design approach to create spaces that feel as good as they look – efficient, healthy and built to last.
Explore our latest insight into contemporary coastal architecture in Cornwall, featuring Keynvor in Mawgan Porth.
Residential Architects in Cornwall
We work across Cornwall on private residential projects of varying scale and complexity, including Truro, Falmouth, Newquay, Wadebridge and across North and West Cornwall. Every project begins with a deep understanding of your brief, your site and your budget, followed by clear, structured guidance through each stage of the process. You can explore our completed homes across Cornwall to see how we approach design across different settings and contexts.
- New build homes – bespoke contemporary and traditional designs, tailored to your site
- Self build architecture – support from feasibility to completion, with a practical, staged approach
- Extensions and renovations – improving space, light and performance without losing character
- Coastal and rural properties – designs that respond to exposure, views, access and local materials
Sustainable & Low Carbon Architecture
As sustainable architects in Cornwall, we design with performance at the forefront – reducing energy demand, improving comfort and creating homes that are future-proofed against rising energy costs and changing building standards.
Our approach considers the full fabric of the building: insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, glazing strategy, ventilation and material selection – ensuring your home performs as intended, not just on paper.
- Low energy design using passive principles and efficient building fabric
- Material choices that balance aesthetics, durability and environmental impact
- Overheating risk management (particularly important for south-facing coastal sites)
- Healthy indoor environments through ventilation and moisture-aware detailing
Passive House Design in Cornwall
If you’re aiming for the highest level of building performance, ARCO2 also provides Passive House design support. Passive House is a proven standard for delivering exceptionally comfortable buildings with very low heating demand, achieved through rigorous design and detailing.
We can advise on whether Passive House is right for your project, and support you through the key decisions that make the difference – from orientation and form factor to glazing ratios and ventilation strategy.
Explore our sustainable design and Passive House approach →
Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Successful residential design in Cornwall often depends on navigating planning policy, local constraints and site-specific considerations. We support clients through planning permission and Building Regulations with clear drawings, thoughtful design justification and a calm, organised approach.
- Feasibility and planning strategy to reduce risk early
- Pre-application support where appropriate
- Planning submissions with robust drawings and design rationale
- Technical design and Building Regs information for construction
Areas We Cover Across Cornwall
We work across Cornwall, including Truro, Falmouth, Wadebridge, Bodmin, Padstow, Newquay and North Cornwall. If you would like to learn more about our studio or discuss a potential project, we’d be happy to explore your goals and advise on the best route forward.
Next step: If you’re planning a home in Cornwall and want advice on feasibility, planning strategy, sustainability or performance targets, get in touch – we’ll help you define a clear, confident path from idea to built reality.
Let’s Talk About Your Vision Book a Call
New Build Homes
Designed to respond carefully to site, setting and context, our new build homes combine contemporary architecture with low energy performance. We integrate natural materials, intelligent form and advanced building systems to create efficient, beautifully crafted homes across Cornwall.
Explore New Build Projects
Extensions & Renovations
Thoughtfully extending and enhancing existing properties, we balance architectural character with improved energy performance. Using sustainable materials and carefully detailed construction, we transform homes into light-filled, efficient and future-ready living spaces.
View Refurbishment Projects
Self Build & Passive House
Supporting self builders and high-performance projects, we design homes that prioritise comfort, efficiency and long-term resilience. Through passive design principles, fabric-first construction and refined detailing, we deliver sustainable architecture built to perform.
Discover Sustainable DesignArchitect Cornwall Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about architect fees, planning permission, self build projects, sustainable architecture and working with ARCO2 across Cornwall.
