How a riverside creek in Cornwall inspired this spectacular home’s contemporary architecture
Its location is Pill Creek, the exceptional rural area home to an equally exceptional series of modernist houses. For additional reading on the local architecture, revisit the story we did on Team 4’s mid-century masterpiece, Creek Vean. To build a contemporary home here, then, one that stands out among its neighbours, is by no means an easy feat. But the local architects behind this project produced a home that’s every bit a triumph.
When designing a home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on land belonging to the National Trust, paying respect to the surroundings is of utmost importance. This particular home was constructed with the verdant trees that tower above it in mind. On a bright day, when the home is in its very best light, it’s dappled with sunlight, the leaves casting intricate patterns across the exterior. But perhaps the highlight of this idyllic location is the nearby riverside creek, which informed the design of the intriguing façade.
Defining the profile of the five-bedroom home is that cantilever, which looks as if it’s floating in the air. It reaches promising extraordinary views of the Fal Estuary, while nestling the interior among the leaves. The spaces inside have the feeling of a treehouse, maximised by the glazing. The palette is something of a homage to Cornwall, comprising Siberian silver larch, Cornish stone from Trebarwith and steel. Its raw natural materials have been hand-picked to harmonise with the woodland setting.
Such a dramatic façade calls for a calm and understated interior. The white-washed walls and timber floors mean the breathtaking views do all the talking. The big windows also let an abundance of natural light flood the space. To ensure the most is made of all this, the bright and airy living spaces are positioned on the top floor, while the peaceful bedrooms sit underneath.
The lush gardens are as beautiful as the building, with the river in easy reach, only a stroll away. And, when you don’t fancy the fresh chill of the natural waters, there’s a heated outdoor shower to luxuriate in – a joyous experience in itself, or the most ideal setting for a post-paddle dip.
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