SUSTAINABLE REPLACEMENT DWELLING MYLOR BRIDGE

Our client owned a 1930s bungalow in Mylor Bridge near Falmouth, Cornwall that no longer reflected the needs of modern living. While the original property had served its purpose for many years, it struggled to deliver the comfort, energy efficiency and practical layout expected from a contemporary home. The ambition was to create a future focused replacement home that would provide warmth, reliability and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.

Rebuilding the property created the opportunity to move beyond simply repairing existing issues. The design approach focused on creating a high performance home that responded carefully to the site, its views and the character of Mylor Bridge, while delivering comfortable, energy efficient living for the future.

As experienced Architects Cornwall, we design bespoke replacement homes across Cornwall that combine sustainability, practicality and contemporary architectural design.

The plot slopes across the site, so we needed to get the structure and levels right for Tanya and for her neighbours who look across the valley.

Old drainage and services beneath the surface had to be fixed before any new work could start.  With a clear budget to respect, every decision had to serve a purpose and offer value.  And because the homes behind rely on their views, the height and form could not overstep. None of this was dramatic, but each constraint mattered to how the design could progress.

Glu Lam timber posts and beams on pad foundations allowed the house to follow the slope of the land with minimal disturbance. To respect the outlook that neighbours enjoy, the roofline stays below where the old bungalow once stood.  White render, locally sourced timber cladding, and green roofs were chosen to handle coastal weather and sit quietly in the landscape.

Inside, the home is arranged so Tanya can enjoy the views every day. The main living, cooking, and dining spaces are upstairs, opening out toward Mylor Creek, with generous glazing and a balcony that connects directly to the landscape.  Four bedrooms offer space for visitors or future needs, with two including en suites for comfort and privacy. At garden level, rooms lead straight outdoors, making the most of the terrace and the slope of the site.

Tanya now lives in a home that supports her day to day life without its own demands getting in the way. The spaces are straightforward to use, warm when needed and balanced with natural light. The house maintains a respectful scale in the street and feels rooted into the hillside rather than imposed on it.  Everything that held the old building back has been removed from the equation. What stands here now is a home that does its job well and is built to stay that way.

NESTLED INTO THE HILLSIDE

The new home follows the slope of the land so it feels properly grounded, not forced into place.  The lower roof line protects the views that neighbours enjoy across the valley.  Materials and form have been kept simple so the house sits comfortably in its surroundings.

REVERSE LIVING FOR THE VIEWS

Living spaces sit on the upper floor to take advantage of views over Mylor Creek.  Windows are positioned to draw attention to the landscape, not the building itself. The balcony and glazing bring the outdoors in, without losing privacy.  Four bedrooms give flexibility for family and guests, with two en suites. The kitchen, dining and living areas are arranged together for everyday use.  The garden connects directly to living spaces below, making the most of the plot.

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES

Green roofs help with rain and add planting to the site, so the house feels naturally rooted in its surroundings.  Natural insulation keeps warmth inside, so the home stays comfortable without high energy use.  Triple glazed windows reduce drafts and heat loss, keeping rooms steady and calm. The air source heat pump runs the heating and hot water efficiently.  And the wood stove gives a cosy boost on colder days.