“This was our first new build experience and ARCO2 were brilliant. We enjoyed the process and are so delighted with the end result.” – Mr & Mrs Pestell
CONTEMPORARY COASTAL HOME IN GWITHIAN TOWANS
No.5 Gwithian Towans is a contemporary sustainable home in Gwithian Towans, West Cornwall, designed by ARCO2. Located within this environmentally sensitive coastal setting, the project combines low energy design principles with contemporary architecture carefully shaped around the landscape, climate and local design guidance.
The original 1950s bungalow was tired, inefficient and poorly suited to the exposed coastal environment. The brief was to replace it with a modern home that remained modest in scale while improving comfort, energy performance and long-term resilience against the Cornish coastal weather.
Working within the Gwithian Design Guide, the new home was carefully designed to sit naturally within its surroundings while offering privacy, warmth and light for everyday living. The architecture balances simplicity and durability, creating a calm coastal home that feels connected to nature while remaining sheltered from the elements.
We work with clients across the county as experienced architects in Cornwall, delivering bespoke sustainable homes tailored to each landscape and setting.
BUILDING IN A PROTECTED LANDSCAPE - WORKING WITH THE TOWANS AND THE ELEMENTS
The site sits beside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where every new building is carefully reviewed against detailed design rules. Designing a replacement home here meant meeting high expectations. The challenge was to design something modern that also sat naturally in its place. Strong winds, salt air and the open landscape shaped our decisions. Every material had to last, weather well and need little maintenance.
DESIGNING FOR LIGHT AND LIFE - A SIMPLE, OPEN HOME BY THE SEA
The new house is designed around light, comfort, and connection. Large windows and sliding glass walls open the home to the dunes and distant sea views. The open plan layout makes it easy for light to move through the space and brings family life together in one bright, flowing area. High pitched ceilings add space and airiness, while natural materials bring warmth and texture. We made each choice, from timber cladding to slate roofing, for long life and low maintenance. It is a modest home that feels generous, open, and close to nature.
A LOW ENERGY HOME THAT CARES FOR NATURE - DESIGNED TO BE HEALTHY, EFFICIENT AND KIND TO THE LAND
No.5 Gwithian Towans was built around passive house principles to achieve low energy use and a healthy indoor climate. Natural materials and excellent insulation keep the building warm, quiet, and durable. A heat recovery ventilation system provides constant fresh air, helping the home stay comfortable all year. The design supports local ecology too. The garage includes a bat house and roosting areas, and the site features a living roof, Cornish hedge, and reinforced grass driveways to encourage wildlife. Built by local teams using natural materials, it is a home built to last.
AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
No.5 Gwithian Towans sits beside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Large glass sliding walls open the home to the dunes and sea, linking inside and out. It is a locally significant building that balances privacy, views and a close relationship with nature.
BRIGHT OPEN PLAN LIVING SPACE
The open plan design brings family life together in one bright, flowing space. High pitched ceilings and large windows fill the home with natural light throughout the day. It is a place made for both quiet evenings and lively family moments.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
No.5 Gwithian Towans was created to be low energy, healthy and long lasting. Natural materials, a living roof and reinforced grass driveways help it connect naturally within the landscape. The garage includes a bat house and roosting spaces, adding to the site’s biodiversity.
AWARDS
- 2016 National Green Apple Awards – New Build category (Built Environment & Architectural Heritage)
- 2016 Build It Awards – Finalist
- 2016 LABC South West Awards – Finalist
- 2016 Cornwall Sustainability Awards – Finalist
Further recognition: 2018 Cornwall Sustainability Awards – Highly Commended and 2019 Green Apple Awards – Gold in the New Build category.
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.
