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This striking contemporary home was built to replace a tired dormer bungalow in Polzeath, Cornwall. The clients enlisted Arco2 Architecture to create a new two-storey dwelling to suit their dynamic lifestyle.

The house design features an upside-down layout to make the most of the coastal outlook. The main living accommodation and master suite are on the upper floor, enabling the owners to enjoy the beautiful sea view, with the remaining ensuite bedrooms downstairs. The new build also features a separate gym, yoga studio and even a room for the family’s dogs. These extra amenities are made possible by a basement level, maximising the available space within the building’s footprint.

The owners were aiming for Passivhaus standards, so their home features a range of sustainable features. The building fabric is highly energy efficient, with recycled newspaper insulation lining the walls. Plus, a flat sedum living roof contributes to a lower carbon footprint.

The impressive modern dwelling is significantly larger than the original bungalow that once occupied the site, so careful consideration was given to its position on the plot. The architects kept the footprint of the house in a similar place, ensuring the rear neighbours’ outlooks to the ocean remained clear. This angle also opened up a beautiful view of the sea for next door, which was key to the owners gaining local support for the scheme.

For more information call 01208 72100 or visit www.arco2.co.uk