“The Arco2 team are imaginative, attentive, and hugely talented, this is clear when you see finished buildings and even more clear when you spend any amount of time inside of it. You could spend all day, all week, all year in the house and still discover new hidden gems that have been designed in by the Arco2 team for the end user enjoyment. On top of this, the Arco2 team were instrumental during the construction phase, working tirelessly checking, co-ordinating and producing bespoke details before the construction team needed them, they were the glue & energy behind the scenes, and we cannot wait for an opportunity to work with them again in the future.”
CONTEMPORARY FAMILY HOME NEAR FALMOUTH, SOUTH CORNWALL
The Pines is a contemporary sustainable family home near Falmouth, South Cornwall, designed by ARCO2. Positioned above the coastline, the project combines low energy design principles with contemporary residential architecture focused on light, openness and long-term family living.
Set above the Falmouth coast, the site was once home to a fragmented 1980s house made up of small rooms and disconnected extensions, with little relationship to the surrounding landscape. The family, relocating from Europe, wanted something entirely different – a home that felt bright, calm and connected to the outdoors.
The brief focused on creating a sustainable contemporary home using natural materials that would be simple to maintain and comfortable to live in year-round. Spaces were carefully designed around modern family life, including areas for home teaching, quiet working and relaxed open-plan living.
It was also important that the house felt settled within its surroundings, with improved access, parking and a clear sense of arrival. From the beginning, the design approach centred on creating a home that supports everyday family life while strengthening the connection between architecture, landscape and coastal setting.
We work with clients across the county as experienced architects in Cornwall, delivering bespoke sustainable homes tailored to each site.
WORKING WITH THE SITE - BALANCING CHALLENGES AND PLACE
This site was peaceful but far from easy. The old 1980s house sat close to a large Holme Oak tree, and protecting it became one of our first challenges. Any new work had to keep its roots safe and give it space to grow.
Next to the plot were the remains of a Second World War barrage balloon base, one of the few left in the area. It added a layer of care to every step we took on site. The land was also in a flood-sensitive zone, which meant strict rules for drainage and runoff. Even small changes to the ground had to be handled with precision.
And then there was the coast itself. Salt, wind and constant weather exposure made every choice, from structure to materials, a little bit harder.
It was a complex site, full of limits and conditions, but we saw each one as part of what makes The Pines so connected to where it stands.
LIVING WITH LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE - A HOME SHAPED BY PURPOSE AND PLACE
We began by understanding the land. The Holme Oak became the focus, setting out how the new home sits and where each space belongs. The nearby wartime site reminded us to keep the building low, sympathetic and respectful to its surroundings. Living spaces were placed upstairs to capture light and sea views.
Bedrooms open to the garden and pool below, giving the family privacy and a clear connection to the outdoors. A dedicated classroom and playroom were added for home learning, giving the children their own space while staying part of family life.
The wildflower roof blends the house into its setting and supports natural drainage. Local stone, copper, and timber were chosen for strength and how well they age in the coastal climate.
Inside, every space feels considered. A glass walkway connects the rooms, and daylight creates a bright, balanced atmosphere.
The Pines is a simple, sustainable family home shaped by its setting. Built to last and age well.
LIFE BY THE COAST - A HOME THAT FEELS CALM AND CONNECTED
The Pines has become everything the family hoped for. A fun, tactile, sustainable home made for everyday life.
What was once a dated 1980s house is now a quiet, contemporary home that feels part of the land. Each space is filled with daylight and views of trees, gardens and sea. There’s an easy rhythm to how the house works. Mornings begin upstairs in the open living area, while the children learn and play in their own space nearby. Evenings move down to the garden and pool, surrounded by soft light and the sound of nature. The materials have started to settle into their place. Copper tones deepen, stone softens and the wildflower roof changes with the seasons. The home feels rooted, balanced, and personal. A lasting place built for family, light, and the landscape around it.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
We designed The Pines for the family to thrive in, be healthy and exciting. A ground source heating system, solar panels, and heat recovery system keep the home warm and efficient throughout the year. The wildflower roof changes with the seasons, bringing colour, wildlife and calm to the setting. Rainwater is collected and reused, so the home works naturally with its surroundings.
SPACES AND VIEWS
We placed the main living areas above the trees to open them to the sea. Large windows frame the horizon and a curved window seat gives a quiet spot to sit and take in the view. The home feels tactile relaxed and private, surrounded by trees and garden, with the coast always in sight.
BESPOKE INTERNAL FEATURES
Inside, we used natural materials to bring warmth and texture to every room. A double-sided fireplace connects the living areas and creates a clear focal point for family life. Timber cladding, clay plasters and a glass walkway let daylight move gently through the home, giving it a richness and balance.
AWARDS
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.
