A successful Cornish housebuilder, frustrated by years of trying to gain planning consent for developments on this site, turned to us for help. While a fresh approach was needed, we had to be realistic about building costs to ensure the houses and flats would be affordable for people in the local community.
In response, we individually designed 12 different homes, including apartments and contemporary townhouses. Each was first constructed as a 3D computer model, and then we fitted all 12 together to form an integrated development.
We were keen to strike a balance, using modern contemporary design that was in keeping with neighbouring developments and would fit into traditional street patterns and footpaths. Our job included taking the proposals through planning and working with engineers to obtain building regulation approvals and construction drawings.
The clean geometric designs make the most of our clear Cornish light, and the way the terraces step downhill to follow the area’s natural contours adds further interest. Seaside colours are a reminder that we are close to both the north and south coasts. The overall effect is almost Mediterranean and comes as a welcome contrast to the tendency of many developers to apply standard designs with no sense of place.