Esplanade House by Of Architecture: A Minimal Coastal Residence Redefining British Seaside Living

Located along the dramatic coastline of Fistral Bay in Newquay, United Kingdom, Esplanade House by Of Architecture is a contemporary residential project that seamlessly integrates coastal architecture, sustainable materials, and minimalist design principles. Positioned atop a tiered garden along Esplanade Road, this three-story dwelling serves both as a home and workspace, reflecting a refined yet restrained architectural language rooted in context.

Context-Driven Coastal Architecture

Responding sensitively to the rugged seaside terrain, the house is shaped by the sloping site, allowing each level to engage with the surrounding landscape. The elevated living spaces capture uninterrupted panoramic views of the sea, while the south-facing garden enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This thoughtful spatial planning exemplifies modern coastal house design, where topography directly informs architectural form.

Material Palette and Exterior Expression

The building features a distinctive single-pitch zinc roof, crafted using bright-rolled zinc, referencing traditional rooflines while introducing a contemporary edge. A defining horizontal “plimsoll line” divides the facade, separating roughcast render at the lower level from smooth render above. This subtle yet powerful gesture reinforces the visual identity of the structure, echoing the textures and tones of British seaside architecture.

The restrained material palette: comprising zinc, lime render, and silver-toned metals: emphasizes durability, sustainability, and contextual harmony. The monolithic exterior achieves a balance between modern minimalism and regional architectural character, making it a standout example of sustainable coastal housing in the UK.

Interior Design and Spatial Experience

Inside, Esplanade House celebrates an industrial yet domestic aesthetic. The use of exposed concrete blocks highlights local craftsmanship, while galvanized conduits, visible ductwork, and industrial lighting fixtures create an honest expression of the building’s infrastructure. This approach aligns with contemporary trends in adaptive and expressive interior architecture.

A sculptural plywood staircase connects the levels, guiding natural light from the ground floor to the expansive main living area above. The 4-meter-high living space, supported by long exposed steel beams, remains open and unobstructed, offering sweeping views from the sea horizon to the landscaped garden.

The upper level accommodates more intimate spaces, including a screening room and a library illuminated by a roof light, providing a शांत and निजी retreat within the home.

Functional Innovation and Minimal Living

Designed with a minimal palette, the project demonstrates how everyday materials and utilitarian elements can be transformed into refined architectural features. The integration of workspace within the residential layout reflects evolving lifestyles, making this home a model for flexible living environments.

By embracing simplicity, material honesty, and contextual design, Esplanade House exemplifies the future of modern residential architecture: where sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics coexist harmoniously.

All photographs are works of  Lorenzo Zandri