No. 5 Gwithian Towans, Cornwall A Project By: ARCO2 No.5 Gwithian Towans replaces a poorly performing 1950s blockwork bungalow with a carefully considered new home designed for comfort, longevity and environmental responsibility. The original building was energy-inefficient, uncomfortable and vulnerable to wind-driven rain on this highly exposed coastal site. The new house, also a modest three-bedroom dwelling, delivers a dramatic improvement in performance while remaining sensitive in scale and character. The site is locally significant and environmentally sensitive, lying adjacent to both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. As such, the design was shaped by the rigorous Towans Design Guide, embedded within the Gwithian and Gwinear Neighbourhood Plan. The resulting architecture subtly embraces dune and sea views without compromising privacy or imposing on neighbours or passers-by. Simple in form and modest in scale, the house is finely detailed and constructed using materials selected for durability in a harsh marine environment. Ecological enhancement is integral to the scheme. Porous gravel and reinforced grass paving reduce surface water runoff, while a living roof, extensive garden planting and a new Cornish hedge significantly enhance biodiversity. The garage gable incorporates a discreet bat roost within the slate … Continue reading Fabric First Coastal Architecture