Edge O’ Cliff — A House Reborn By: ARCO2 – Sustainable Architecture Introduction Originally built in the 1920s, the old Edge O’ Cliff was a charming but decaying wooden chalet, slowly sliding toward the sea. Its replacement, a modest three-bedroom home, stands as a contemporary, sustainable response to a remarkable location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, beside a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and along the South West Coast Path near St Ives, Cornwall. A Design and Construction Challenge Rebuilding on this spectacular yet inaccessible site meant every piece of the house had to be carried down a steep coastal path by hand — no machinery, no shortcuts. Lessons from dismantling the original chalet inspired a deep commitment to reuse: timber and stone were salvaged, while synthetic materials like UPVC and asbestos were painstakingly removed for safe disposal. Working closely with ARCO₂ Architects, Umbazi Builders crafted a twin-wall timber frame from locally felled Douglas Fir, supported by minimal pad foundations to protect the fragile landscape. A scaffolded tented roof sheltered the site, allowing on-site air-drying of green timber and maintaining exceptional build quality throughout the long construction period. A dedicated on-site team and open communication with neighbours and … Continue reading Sustainable Craft On The Cornish Coast