“This was no ordinary project but something very very special. The result is a house which exceeded our expectations in every sense.” – Mr & Mrs Wright
CONTEMPORARY COASTAL HOME IN CARBIS BAY
Edge O’ Cliff is a contemporary sustainable home in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, designed by ARCO2. Positioned on the steep coastal slopes overlooking St Ives Bay, the project combines low energy design principles with contemporary coastal architecture carefully shaped around one of Cornwall’s most sensitive seaside settings.
Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the site demanded a careful and considered architectural response. The original 1920s timber chalet had charm but had become cold, fragile and unstable, slowly slipping towards the cliff edge over time.
The brief was to create a modest three-bedroom home that felt calm, sustainable and naturally connected to the landscape around it. From the beginning, the focus was on designing a home that belonged within its setting – quietly contemporary, energy efficient and durable enough to withstand the exposed coastal environment.
The architecture balances simplicity, comfort and restraint, creating a home that sits gently within the cliffside landscape while making the most of light, views and connection to the sea.
We work with clients across the county as experienced architects in Cornwall, delivering bespoke sustainable homes tailored to each landscape and coastal setting.
WORKING WITH LIMITS - BUILDING ON THE EDGE
Edge O’ Cliff was never going to be simple. The site could only be reached by a steep footpath that crossed a railway line, with no access for vehicles or machinery. Every material had to be carried down by hand, piece by piece. Even removing the old chalet was tough. Some of it could be reused, but much of it was made from plastic, felt, and asbestos that had to be taken back up the path for safe disposal. The location itself brought more challenges. Exposed coastal weather, the risk of old mine workings, and the site’s environmental sensitivity meant every step had to be planned very carefully. It was a project full of obstacles, physical, technical, and environmental, but each one shaped how we approached what came next.
DESIGNING WITH CARE - A RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGE
Every part of this house was shaped by its coastal setting. With no road access, we designed a light timber frame made from local Douglas fir, carried down the footpath and built by hand. Small foundations kept the ground undisturbed, and a temporary tent protected the work as the timber dried and settled.
Inside, the layout feels peaceful and open. Living spaces face the sea, filled with light and fresh air. Bedrooms sit quietly behind, shaped for rest and privacy. A rooftop balcony opens up to wide views across the bay.
Natural materials, warm light, and thoughtful details make the house easy to live in and comfortable all year round. Around it, local planting and Cornish stone hedging help the home feel part of the landscape.
LIVING ON THE EDGE - A HOME THAT FEELS SETTLED IN ITS PLACE
For the clients, Edge O’ Cliff is more than a home. It’s the result of patience, care, and years of planning. Every room now opens to the sea, filled with daylight and the sound of the waves. Inside, it feels calm and effortless. Warm in winter, cool in summer, and easy to live in.
They can now enjoy the views that first drew them to the site, but without the worries of the old chalet. The new house is solid and secure, but still feels light and connected to nature. It reflects everything they hoped for. A place that respects the coast and a place that fits quietly into its setting.
PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS
Edge O’ Cliff sits on the Cornish coast path on the way to St Ives, with 360° views across the sea and sky. Sea-facing windows and a rooftop balcony open the house to the horizon, making the most of its incredible position. From every room, the views bring in light, movement, and a strong sense of place.
AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
We built Edge O’ Cliff in a location that’s both locally significant and highly visible. The site sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the South West Coast Path running just below the garden. The house was designed to feel at home in its setting, respectful of the coast and the people who walk it.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
This award-winning home was created around sustainable architecture and healthy living. It follows Passive House principles, keeping energy use low and comfort high. We used locally sourced materials, including Douglas fir and natural insulation, to reduce environmental impact. The garden, planned by an ecologist, supports local wildlife and helps the house merge with the landscape. Read our guide to Passive House design for sensitive coastal sites in Cornwall.
AWARDS
- 2015 Green Apple Awards – National Gold Winner, Innovation Category
- 2015 RICS Awards – Highly Commended, Residential Category
- 2015 Cornish Buildings Group Awards – Commendation, New House
- 2015 South West LABC Awards – Project recognition
External award sources
ARCO2 designs contemporary sustainable homes across Cornwall, including North Cornwall, South Cornwall and coastal locations such as Polzeath, Rock, Padstow, Mawgan Porth, Falmouth and beyond. Our work combines contemporary architecture with low energy design principles, carefully responding to landscape, climate and long-term building performance.
