ARCO₂ Architects in Polzeath

The architecture in Polzeath consists of many properties constructed in the 1920/30’s, 1960/70’s and 1990’s as holiday/second homes.  The majority of these properties were simple in form and appearance with tiled or slate roofs and white rendered walls with feature walls/chimneys of local stone.  With the popularity of the area growing rapidly and planning permission restrictions there is only a finite amount of properties in the area, many of which have been re-developed over the past 20 years.  This has forced house prices up within the area, including Rock and Trebetherick becoming more exclusive than ever.  Second home owners are attracted by the beautiful golden sandy beach, surf, rockpools, coastal walks, local eateries and one of the best sunsets in the world.  We are always being told by clients that the way of life is laid back, relaxing and when the sun is shining there is no better place to be, we agree!

Our clients adore Polzeath and the surrounding area and want to keep its unique charm, we work with our clients to create stunning architectural properties that enhance the area and its beauty without losing any of Polzeath’s character and charm.

Being based in Bodmin and only a 20-minute drive away certainly helps in the construction phases but also helps when presenting proposals to neighbours and the parish council.  Our clients choose ARCO₂ as we know the area intimately and have a good track record as Architects in Polzeath.  They also want to lead a more sustainable and healthy life and are attracted to our low contemporary energy architecture which adopts passive house principles.  As Architects in Cornwall we are used to designing buildings that with-stand the marine and coastal environment whilst also minimising maintenance to allow owners to enjoy the delights that Polzeath and Cornwall has to offer.

Furzy Close was a typical example of the above with the existing dormer bungalow being built circa 1930.  The roof has actually been designed as the same height as the existing bungalow ridge with a terrace area to maintain the sea views of the neighbouring building behind.  This was crucial in gaining the neighbours support and that of the parish council.  The house has a commanding view at Higher Tristram with the main living accommodation being on the first floor and benefitting from amazing sea views.  Higher Tristram estate has started to be re-developed and will no doubt become a very sought-after area to purchase property over the next decade.   This project was recognised as being exemplary winning a National Green Apple Silver Award as well as being featured in Build It magazine. 

ARCO₂ are working on a nearby property on the same estate which recently gained planning permission for a replacement dwelling.  It is hoped that this will be started on-site later this year.  The concept for this property was very similar to Furzy Close in that the height was dictated by the existing ridge height and the idea was to improve the neighbours outlook by creating a large wildflower roof.  Maximising the sea and sunset views from all of the living spaces and hiding the car parking underneath another wildflower roof was crucial in providing the best possible view.  The main living area can be accessed via a level entrance/terrace and provides accommodation for disabled.  Making the most of the site’s topography has enabled a lower ground floor area accommodating a children’s bedroom with en-suite, utility room, plant room, storage, wetsuit room, surfboard store and an external shower.  A covered private terrace and garden area also benefits from sea views at high tide.

Mellalue stands in one of the largest plots overlooking Polzeath.  As with the above projects maintaining ridge height and maintaining and improving neighbours’ views were fundamental concept considerations.  The house has been designed so that it is only single storey from the rear, enabling level access for elderly parents, an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area that opens onto BBQ evening terrace and day terraces.  There is also a double-sided feature wood burner allowing the study/snug to benefit from the heat from the lounge.  The master suite and bedroom 2 suite feel like you are floating above the sea when in bed with uninterrupted sea views. This floor is accessed via a cantilevered feature timber and glass staircase.  The site topography enabled a small amount of excavation to create a lower level for teenagers or a separate family to stay with two sizeable en-suite bedrooms and a TV/games area leading onto a large patio and level garden area, all with panoramic sea views.  Framing the views from each of the rooms to ensure that the sea and Pentire Point were unobstructed was another key consideration.  The lower ground floor was specified with stone and incorporated tiered stone planters to help set the building into the landscape and only appear as a two-storey building from the sea.  The white rendered walls allow the building to sit sympathetically into the surrounding neighbourhood, so much so that from the sea it is hard to see; providing that contemporary sustainable design can complement such coastal locations.  As with all of our projects, this building is super insulated, air-tight, breathable, has a whole house ventilation system and adopts the passive house principles. Mellalue was recognised for its sustainable contemporary design by winning a National Green Apple Award within the New Build Category and was also a finalist in the Build It Awards, LABC South West Awards and Cornwall Sustainability Awards.