“The whole project has been a complete success. At all times, through both design and build, the team has been a pleasure to work with and we now have an amazing, future proof house. Highly Recommended.” – Sally Jones
CONTEMPORARY HOME IN ST MINVER, NORTH CORNWALL
Waterhouse is a contemporary sustainable home in St Minver, North Cornwall, designed by ARCO2. Overlooking the Camel Estuary, the project combines low energy design principles with contemporary coastal architecture carefully shaped around landscape, light and long-term comfort.
Set within the North Cornwall countryside, the site enjoys wide open views across the Camel Estuary and surrounding landscape. The original 1980s bungalow on the site was plain, inefficient and failed to fully respond to its exceptional setting.
The client wanted to create a home that felt more connected to the landscape while making better use of the estuary views and natural light. The brief focused on designing a calm, contemporary home that would remain comfortable, practical and easy to live in for many years ahead.
Through careful design development, the existing property was replaced with a sustainable contemporary home that feels both modern and deeply rooted within its surroundings. Natural materials, simple forms and carefully framed views help strengthen the relationship between the architecture and the estuary landscape beyond.
The result is a low energy coastal home designed to feel peaceful, durable and naturally connected to its North Cornwall setting.
We work with clients across North Cornwall as experienced North Cornwall architects and architects in Cornwall, delivering bespoke coastal homes tailored to each site.
WORKING WITH THE LANDSCAPE - KEEPING IT SIMPLE TO LIVE WITH
Waterhouse might look calm now, but it wasn’t an easy build. The site is open to the weather, with wide views across the Camel Estuary. Every choice we made had to work with the landscape, never against it.
Our challenge was to keep the home feeling simple while meeting high standards of performance. The airtight timber frame and clean modern detailing left no room for any mistakes. Every joint, edge and layer had to line up perfectly. The exposed setting added to the pressure. Strong winds, shifting daylight and the open view meant we had to be precise and choose materials that would last.
DESIGNING WITH LIGHT AND LAND - A HOME MADE FOR EVERYDAY LIVING
We shaped Waterhouse to feel peaceful yet vibrant, natural, and filled with daylight. The plan is simple, with open living spaces that move naturally between each other and open to the views across the estuary.
We placed the main rooms to face south, filling them with daylight and warmth while giving the family space to enjoy the view. High ceilings open the horizon, and sliding partitions make it easy to change how the rooms are used. Natural materials help the home settle quietly into its setting. Dark-stained and untreated larch blend with the surrounding landscape, while clean lines and soft detailing give the building a modern, timeless feel.
The result is a home that works with the land and is easy to live in. Simple in form but carefully made in every detail.
LIVING WITH THE VIEW - A HOME THAT FEELS AT EASE IN ITS PLACE
The old bungalow has been replaced with a home that feels calm, open, and filled with light. Every room looks out to the estuary, with views that shift and change through the day.
Inside, the spaces feel relaxed, welcoming and fun. Daylight moves softly from one room to another and gentle natural colours give a sense of warmth and balance.
From the outside, the home sits well within the landscape. The timber has started to soften with age, blending into the hedgerow and sky. What was once a simple plot now feels complete. A modern family home that belongs exactly where it stands.
PANORAMIC VIEWS
Waterhouse opens out to the south, with wide views across the Camel Estuary. Large windows and simple lines keep the view clear from every main space, bringing in light and calm throughout the day. Solar shading softens the sun and helps the home blend naturally into the landscape.
OPEN PLAN LIVING SPACE
The heart of the home is open and flexible, made for everyday life. The kitchen, dining, and living areas are connected, with high ceilings that open the view to the horizon. Sliding partitions make it easy to adapt the space for quiet moments or family gatherings.
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES
We used simple, natural materials to keep the design honest and low in impact. The green roof and timber cladding root the home in its rural setting, while thick insulation made from recycled newspaper keeps it warm and efficient. Every detail was designed to last, with the building working naturally with its environment.
AWARDS
External award sources
Read the 2020 Green Apple award announcement and Structural Timber Awards shortlisting.
Architects Working Across North Cornwall
ARCO2 designs contemporary sustainable homes across Polzeath, Rock, Padstow, Daymer Bay, Constantine Bay, Trevone Bay, St Merryn and the wider North Cornwall coastline. North Cornwall Architects.
