Rock is a very interesting village having originally gained its name by sailing ships being loaded with rocks as ballast from the quarry.  The quarry is now a car park close to the water’s edge and has wonderful views across the estuary towards Padstow.

The village is most popular for water sports including sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and canoeing, but also has a number of amenities including a Michelin starred restaurant and public house.  At low tide it is possible to walk along the golden sandy beach at Porthilly to Daymer Bay, Greenaway and Polzeath, but be very careful not to get caught out by the tide.

Rock is regarded as having the largest concentration of millionaires anywhere in Cornwall and is frequented by the royal family and celebrities.  Properties within the area are fairly exclusive and perhaps the highest value in Cornwall.  Not surprisingly, there is only a small out-of-season community largely consisting of retirees, with the rest of the homes belonging to second homeowners.  Rock has seen far more change to the built environment than Padstow, Trebetherick, St.Minver and Polzeath with many properties being replaced and increased in size.  This change has introduced different architectural styles and buildings with a ranging palette of materials.  As Architects, this provides a certain amount of design freedom, but we still need to comply with the Neighbourhood Development Plan, local and national planning policies.

Arco2 designed sustainable new build Rock Cornwall

Designed by Arco2 Oysters (Pictured Above) has arguably one of the very best views in Rock with direct access to Porthilly Beach.  The unusual plan has 3 wings, creating a private morning terrace, a wing orientated towards Porthilly church and the main frontage taking advantage of views over Porthilly beach, Rock, and Padstow.  The design is extremely understated from the entrance with no views from the approach.  Once entering the building, the space opens up to spectacular panoramic estuary views; the element of surprise!

The house is insulated with Warmcel recycled newspaper insulation, is airtight, has triple glazing and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery unit. A truly eco-friendly building. Materials used include local stone, timber cladding, render and natural slate.  A green roof reduces impact from the entrance letting this building hide and nestle into the landscape. Compared to many recent properties constructed in the area this is a modest sized house, with a very large view without being overpowering.

Client testimonial: “My wife and I needed to develop a parcel of land with outstanding views.  We had no experience of this kind of development but had concluded that the design criteria would have to be sympathetic to the surroundings, be as sustainable as reasonably possible, avoid compromising our neighbour’s views and maximise the use of the land.  In short ARCO2 fulfilled all the original criteria with a brilliant sustainable design in good time with no trouble, in fact we enjoyed the experience.”

​Mr & Mrs Dale