Ebron Ha Mor, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Where Sky Meets Sea — A Sustainable Sanctuary on the Cornish Coast
Perched on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth, Ebron Ha Mor, Cornish for Sky and Sea, is a striking example of low-energy, sustainable architecture grounded in ethical values and deep environmental sensitivity.
What might have been two uninspiring structures has been transformed, through vision, craftsmanship and respect for place, into a pair of contemporary homes that both honour and enhance their dramatic setting. Nestled seamlessly into the coastal landscape, these buildings are not just perched on the land, they have become part of it.
Designed to celebrate the panoramic sea views, the homes feature expansive open-plan living spaces on the ground floor, flowing effortlessly into a thoughtfully landscaped garden. Ground floor bedrooms with en-suites ensure accessibility, while upstairs, additional bedrooms open onto private balconies that frame the vast Atlantic horizon. A dedicated plant room integrates utility space and a cloakroom, ensuring elegant functionality throughout.
Built to withstand the harsh Atlantic elements, regularly battered by winds up to 80mph, the homes employ a newly developed Cornish ICF system known as R-Wall. This system uses waterproof XPS insulation, delivering exceptional U-values and airtightness. Insulation beneath the concrete slab eliminates thermal bridging, while the concrete itself, made locally with secondary aggregates from the clay industry, significantly reduces carbon impact. The slab also contains underfloor heating, eliminating the need for additional screed and reducing both material use and embodied carbon. A self-levelling compound beneath engineered oak flooring completes the warm, tactile finish.
The roof is constructed from engineered I-joists—minimising timber use while maximising span and performance—and the predominantly masonry fabric offers excellent thermal mass, acting as a thermal flywheel to maintain indoor comfort. Acoustic performance is equally impressive: inside, the home is a haven of calm amidst the storms.
Outside, biodiverse sedum green roofs and a sensitively planted garden, featuring hedgerows built from on-site excavated stone, create a thriving habitat for invertebrates, amphibians, insects, and small mammals—a true wildlife superhighway.
Recognised for its harmonious integration of architecture and environment, Ebron Ha Mor was awarded Bronze Winner in the 2024 Green Apple Environment Awards for Beautiful Buildings—a well-deserved accolade for a project that is as sustainable as it is serene.
We are proud to feature and promote in our architecture magazine: Ebron Ha Mor, Mawgan Porth – Sky Meets Sea
