A calm, resilient home shaped by the Cornish coast
By: ARCO2
Tresidder occupies a remarkable position on Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula, overlooking Polurrian Bay. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to the South West Coast Path, the site is surrounded by open landscape, sky and sea – a location both stunning and exposed.
When we first visited, the old house was damp, cold, and difficult to heat. Its position was extraordinary, but the building failed to make the most of it. Our clients wanted to replace it with a home that responded to its environment – sustainable, energy-efficient and to withstand the Atlantic weather.
The challenge was to create a house that felt calm, timeless, and truly part of the landscape.
Because the site lies within protected designations, including a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, the planning process demanded sensitivity. A large, imposing structure would have felt out of place, so the design was kept modest and sympathetic to its setting. The new home sits low in the landscape, its form divided into two simple elements: one tucked against the hedge and another slightly taller, echoing the shape of a traditional barn.
Inside, the spaces are open, bright and oriented towards the sea. Every principal room enjoys views across Polurrian Bay, filling the home with daylight and a constant sense of connection to the coast. The plan is simple and flowing, designed for ease, comfort and quiet living.
Natural slate and oak cladding bring warmth and texture, while green roofs help the house settle gently into the surrounding landscape and support local wildlife. The timber frame is insulated with recycled newspaper and fitted with triple glazing, keeping the interior warm, efficient and peaceful throughout the year.
Fresh air moves naturally through the home, maintaining a calm, balanced atmosphere in all seasons.
For our clients, Tresidder now feels peaceful and complete; a house that belongs to its place. From the green roofs and timber that merge into the cliffs above Polurrian Bay, to the simple, light-filled interiors that open to the sound of the sea, it’s a home designed for comfort, resilience, and life by the coast.
