Project: Polzeath Beach House
Architects: McLean Quinlan Architects
Interior Design: McLean Quinlan, Jam Interiors
Structural Engineer: Frank Van Loock Associates
Location: Polzeath, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
Year 2019
Photography: Jim Stephenson
Looking out over the North Cornish coast nests a bespoke family beach house with commanding views over the panoramic surfing beach at Polzeath.
The design draws on the history and materials of traditional Cornish fishing villages, with their ribbons of steep lanes dipping down to the sea. Entering from the lane, a stone wall breaks to form an unassuming main entrance. Circulation spaces meander between the volumes leading down to the kitchen and living areas.
This highly insulated house has been designed to be welcoming in all seasons. Built for both long lunches on the terrace and cosy indoor living while providing for the practicalities of hosting large gatherings of family and friends.
In winter the building is light, functional and warm, with generous living spaces and main bedrooms orientated to make the most of the views out over the bay. During the summer, large sliding doors open up to allow activity to spill out onto the broad terrace overlooking the swimming pool below.
Polzeath Beach House interiors are full of crafted objects, with textured materials used for the soft furnishings and warm low level lighting. Integrated cupboards and oak shelving are ready to gather shells, drift wood and other discovered treasures from walks on the beach.
The surrounding gardens are landscaped to blend the new building with the surrounding environment, always with an eye to the best views to the sea. A meandering pathway zigzags through the garden, an invitation to skip down to the shore below.
