35 BUTTLEGATE

Located at 35 Buttlegate near Downderry in Torpoint, Cornwall, this coastal project sits within a quiet green corridor overlooking the sea. The steep site originally formed part of an overgrown garden with wide coastal views, but an earlier design proposal failed to respond appropriately to the landscape, cutting too aggressively into the slope and risking the natural character of the setting.

The redesigned home was shaped carefully around the land, creating a contemporary coastal property filled with natural light and closely connected to the surrounding environment. The design focused on delivering comfortable, energy efficient living while balancing privacy, practical family life and a strong relationship with the coast and landscape beyond.

As experienced Architects Cornwall, we design bespoke coastal homes across Cornwall that combine sustainable architecture, sensitive site design and contemporary living tailored to each location.

The site demanded precision.  The steep ground meant every level had to be planned with care, and structure and drainage were key to keeping the build stable.  Richard managed the construction himself, working closely with LABC to solve problems on site as they came up.  Access was tight, so every delivery had to be timed and handled carefully to protect the landscape.  Because the plot sits within a protected green corridor, planning rules were strict and the design had to stay sensitive to nearby homes.  Coastal weather brought its own difficulties. Wind, salt, and rain called for materials that could stand up to the elements while keeping the design light and open.  Each challenge tested the team, but it also shaped the result.

From the start, the focus was on creating a home that felt right for both the land and the people.  The house follows the slope, keeping low from the road and opening out to the sea.  Three pitched roofs give it a familiar shape, echoing the beach huts found along the coast.

Inside, the split levels make it easy to move through the rooms, each one catching light and views in its own way.  Richard was involved throughout, helping shape the design and choosing materials that would last in the sea air.  Timber, stone, and glass bring warmth and strength, while the wildflower roof links the house with the garden.  Each decision was thoughtful, building a simple, lasting home that feels connected to where it stands and to the people who live there.

When the build was finished, the house felt exactly as the clients hoped.  From the main living space, the sea is always in view, changing with the weather and the time of day.  Inside, the split levels link the spaces where the family spend most of their time.  It feels considered and complete. A home that reflects the people who imagined it and the place it belongs to.

The seaside location guided the shape and feel of the house.  It takes the simple lines of a beach hut and turns them into a modern home made from strong, lasting materials.

Everything works together so the house sits in its surroundings like it was always there.

The split levels follow the slope of the land, giving space and light to the rooms.  Large windows and roof glazing fill the house with daylight and open views to the sea.  Timber ceilings bring warmth and make the rooms feel relaxed and easy to be in.

The design improves the edge of the village while keeping the green setting around it.  A wildflower roof links the garden with the landscape and softens the building.  It feels like a quiet, thoughtful home that belongs in its place.