House in the Trees

A contemporary family home hidden amongst the trees overlooking a boating pond in the heart of Newquay, Cornwall.

Nestled into the hillside on a tight and steeply sloping site is a family home conceived from the idea of living amongst the trees. Its bold and uncompromising design is softened by a blackened timber façade, allowing the form to recede naturally into the green of the surrounding vegetation.

With an emphasis on modern family living, the clients aspirations focused on a home that could provide spaces with a strong connection to one another; while also allowing for moments of respite. The design resolution culminated in a series of split-level areas, which are both connected and separate at the same. A central circulation space connecting all floors ties the design together.

The use of scattered window placements across the façade ensured a balanced elevation, creating a sense of movement and play within the mass. The simplicity of the form provides a relief from the competing styles on the hillside, allowing the building to nestle comfortably into the existing vista.

Peaking above the tree line, the house is anchored back to the hillside via a bridged entrance. Once inside, the playful nature of the building is revealed.

The entrance hall extends through to the kitchen and living spaces, which take centre stage, capturing the views of the boating pond and countryside beyond. Along the main entrance, a raised eating area creates a getaway space that is framed by the trees surrounding the site.

The central circulation space continues upwards onto a roof terrace, a private external amenity space, that is directed away from the neighbouring property. Enclosed by the surrounding trees, the terrace is hidden behind a solid balustrade.

Lightweight and renewable materials were promoted including a timber frame and panel system to help manage the uncompromising access and complex nature of the site. Materials were sourced locally where possible and built with a combination of local knowledge and skills.