“Our brief to Ian seemed almost impossible to achieve. We wanted an asian ascetic that had a modern Californian feel that fitted into a Cornish landscape. A house that flowed with no hard edges, had a feeling of space but the space was usable and didn’t feel cold. A house that was exciting to be in and that a family could grow into. Incredibly, we feel Ian has achieved this with a lightness of touch that is quite remarkable.”
CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME IN FEOCK, SOUTH CORNWALL
Featherbeds is a contemporary sustainable home in Feock, South Cornwall, designed by ARCO2. Set within a quiet valley landscape, the project combines low energy design principles with contemporary architecture shaped around family life, wellbeing and connection to nature.
Featherbeds sits in Feock, surrounded by trees and peaceful countryside. The site already had planning permission to convert an old barn into a home, but the existing structure was poorly built and unsuitable for long-term living.
The clients wanted to begin again and create a soulful family home that felt calm, natural and easy to live in. The design was carefully developed to bring in natural light, open towards the landscape and create a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Inspired by Balinese and Californian architecture, the brief combined contemporary design with Cornish materials and character. Alongside the main house, the project also included a separate wellness and leisure building containing a pool, sauna, yoga room, workshop and garage.
The result is a sustainable contemporary home designed around comfort, wellbeing and everyday family life, carefully integrated into its South Cornwall setting.
We work with clients across the county as experienced architects in Cornwall, delivering bespoke sustainable homes tailored to each landscape and site.
Related Architectural Insights
- Wellbeing Architecture in Cornwall
- Contemporary Rural Architecture in Cornwall
- Passive House Principles for Low Energy Homes in Cornwall
- Replacement Dwellings in Cornwall
Read ARCO2’s guide to SAP, U-values and thermal performance.
WORKING WITH THE SITE - CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY
This was not an easy project to bring to life. The site came with permission to convert a poorly built barn, but it soon became clear that the structure couldn’t be saved. Starting again meant working carefully within tight planning limits. The location itself brought its own tests. Set deep in a valley and surrounded by trees, the land was uneven and exposed to changing weather. Every part of the build had to work with the landscape and not against it.
Blending three different styles, Balinese, Californian, and Cornish, was another challenge. The house needed a zen-like calmness, grounded and at one with its setting.
On top of that, practical problems appeared too. Power was difficult and costly to bring to the site, and building two connected structures made the process longer and more complex. Every decision had to balance design, cost and care for the environment.
DESIGNING WITH NATURE - A HOME THAT BELONGS TO ITS PLACE
We shaped Featherbeds to sit naturally within the valley. The house follows the slope of the land, with small changes in level that make it feel part of the landscape. The main rooms open to the south, filling the home with light and views of the trees and pond. The layout mixes single and two-storey spaces, keeping the rooflines low and the rooms peaceful and open.
We used stone, timber and zinc so the house would settle naturally into its setting. Inside, the spaces flow, inspired by the warmth of Balinese homes and the openness of Californian design.
Next to the house, we added a second building for the pool, sauna, yoga room, workshop and garage. Both buildings share the same architectural language.
Read the Drift Journal article “Blending Nature and Innovation”.
Explore Featherbeds in More Detail
LIVING IN THE VALLEY - A HOME THAT FEELS AT PEACE WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS
Featherbeds now feels tranquil and part of its place. Every room looks out to the trees, the pond, and the soft valley light. The spaces are bright but gentle, with a steady sense of warmth and balance. Inside, the natural materials bring texture and comfort. The air feels fresh, and the temperature stays even through the seasons. It’s a home made for family life. Comfortable to live in, efficient to run, and peaceful.
From the outside, the house and pool building feel at home in the landscape. The green roofs and soft tones help them blend into the woodland around them.
What began as a poorly built barn has become a place of calm and care. A home that fits naturally into the valley.
CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME
Featherbeds is a modern family home designed to feel open, tranquil, and close to nature. The main living space brings everyone together, with the kitchen, dining, and lounge connecting easily to one another. Each of the four bedrooms has its own en-suite, while a sunken TV area creates a quiet place to relax. Large windows and sliding doors open to the garden, so the line between inside and outside feels soft and natural.
SECLUDED VALLEY VIEWS
The house sits within the landscape, following the contours of the valley. Every room looks out to the trees and pond, offering long views and a feeling of quiet privacy. The master bedroom opens onto a private balcony that catches both morning and evening light. With no close neighbours, the family can enjoy the peaceful sound and the changing colours of the woodland through the seasons.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
Featherbeds was designed to be comfortable, efficient, and built to last. We used natural materials and careful detailing to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer. High levels of airtightness and triple glazing help maintain a steady temperature all year round. The green roofs support local wildlife and blend the buildings into their surroundings. A mechanical ventilation system quietly filters and recycles warm air, keeping the spaces fresh and energy use low.
AWARDS
- 2022 RICS Awards – South West Winner, Residential Category
- 2022 RICS Award – National Finalist
- 2021 Federation of Master Builder House Builder Award – Highly Commended
- Read the 2021 FMB award announcement
- 2021 NBCA Architectural Practice of the Year – ARCO2 Silver, featuring Featherbeds
External award sources
- 2021 National Building and Construction Awards: results
- 2022 RICS Awards: Featherbeds winner coverage
Architects Working Across Cornwall
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.
