Designing Accessible Multigenerational Homes on the Cornish Coast
A successful coastal home should do more than make the most of its view. It should support the way people live, gather, rest, move through space and connect with their surroundings. For families, especially those with different generations and changing needs, this requires thoughtful architectural planning from the very beginning.
Turnstones, a contemporary sustainable home in Polzeath, North Cornwall, was designed by ARCO2 as a low energy coastal retreat for multigenerational living. Positioned above Polzeath Beach, the house needed to provide space, privacy, accessibility, comfort and a strong connection to the sea.
The result is an award winning home shaped around family life, coastal living and long term use.
A Brief Built Around Family, Accessibility and Place
The client brief for Turnstones was clear and detailed. The home needed to provide overspill accommodation from an adjacent family property, create privacy for neighbours and for the new dwelling, maximise views, provide parking and support low energy sustainable living.
It also needed to be fully accessible for a wheelchair user at ground level, with level thresholds and easy movement between the main living spaces and outdoor areas. Four double bedrooms were required, each with its own bathroom, along with practical spaces for dogs, beach equipment and day to day family life.
This was not a house designed around appearance alone. It was designed around people.
Creating a Home That Works for Different Generations
Multigenerational living requires balance. A home needs generous shared spaces where family can gather, but it also needs quieter areas where people can retreat. It needs to feel open without feeling exposed, practical without feeling institutional and accessible without compromising the quality of the architecture.
At Turnstones, the main living spaces sit on the upper level to capture views across Polzeath Beach. The kitchen, dining and lounge are arranged as an open plan living area, creating a natural place for family and guests to come together.
Bedrooms are positioned to provide comfort, privacy and individual space. One bedroom was designed specifically for wheelchair users, with direct access onto the decking. Other rooms use varied ceiling shapes, garden views and en-suite bathrooms to create a sense of calm and separation.
Designing Accessibility Into the Architecture
Accessibility works best when it is integrated into the design rather than added later. At Turnstones, level thresholds, carefully planned routes and wheelchair accessible areas were considered from the outset.
The main public entrance was designed for wheelchair access, with a covered seating area that takes advantage of the coastal view. A large frameless glass entrance door was selected for both performance and visual clarity, helping maintain the connection between inside and outside.
The layout allows movement through the home to feel natural and generous. Accessibility is treated as part of the architectural experience, not as a separate functional requirement.
Open Plan Living With Coastal Views
The first floor living area was designed to make the most of Turnstones’ elevated position above Polzeath Beach. Kitchen, dining and lounge spaces flow together, creating a bright and relaxed setting for family life.
Large openings and carefully framed views allow the sea and garden to become part of the everyday experience of the home. The layout supports social connection, while the surrounding landscape gives the interior a sense of calm.
This is one of the strengths of contemporary coastal architecture. When designed well, the view is not simply something to look at. It becomes part of how the home is used and experienced.
Practical Spaces for Real Coastal Living
Turnstones is a home designed for the realities of life by the beach. The lower level includes day to day beach facilities, external showering, wetsuit washing and hanging, surfboard storage, a utility and laundry area, a dog room, plant room, boot store and concealed practical storage.
These spaces are essential in a coastal family home. They allow the main living areas to remain calm and uncluttered while supporting the rhythm of beach life, family visits and outdoor activity.
The best homes are not only beautiful in photographs. They work well every day.
Privacy, Neighbours and the Wider Setting
Because Turnstones sits on a tight site surrounded by neighbouring properties, privacy was central to the design. The form, glazing, angles and garden layout were all developed to minimise overlooking, improve neighbouring views and reduce light spill.
The home was also carefully positioned and shaped to sit within the wider landscape. Wildflower roofs, charred timber, zinc and concrete help the architecture settle into its setting and weather naturally over time.
This sensitivity is especially important in North Cornwall, where residential projects often sit within highly visible and emotionally valued coastal landscapes.
Using Virtual Reality to Refine the Living Experience
ARCO2 used 3D modelling and virtual reality throughout the design process for Turnstones. This helped test views, levels, interior design decisions, lighting, finishes and the relationship between inside and outside spaces.
Virtual reality was also used with the client, contractors and design team, helping everyone understand the design before key decisions were finalised. This was particularly valuable on a site with difficult levels, complex boundaries and important view corridors.
For clients, this type of design process provides clarity and confidence. It helps turn abstract plans into a more tangible understanding of how the finished home will feel.
A Home Made for Comfort, Connection and Longevity
Turnstones brings together contemporary design, accessibility, low energy performance and family living. It is warm, efficient, open to the sea and carefully planned for practical day to day use.
The project also reflects the benefit of close collaboration between client, architect and builder. Constructed by ADD Sustainable Construction, ARCO2’s sister company, the home was delivered with design and construction working closely together throughout.
The finished result is a robust, thoughtful and uplifting coastal home that supports the family now and into the future.
Architects for Contemporary Homes in North Cornwall
ARCO2 designs bespoke contemporary homes across Polzeath, Rock, Padstow, Daymer Bay, Constantine Bay, Trevone Bay, St Merryn and the wider North Cornwall coastline. As experienced North Cornwall architects, the practice creates homes that respond to landscape, lifestyle, accessibility, sustainability and long term comfort.
Explore the full Turnstones project or learn more about ARCO2’s wider work as architects in Cornwall.
Planning a family home in Cornwall?
ARCO2 Architecture works with clients across Cornwall to design homes that support modern family life, accessibility, long term comfort and sustainable living. From multigenerational homes to contemporary coastal retreats, our team creates bespoke spaces shaped around the people who live in them.
