Two-Family House by Rundell Associates – Sustainable Seaside Retreat in North Cornwall

Located on the dramatic cliffs of North Cornwall, the Two-Family House by Rundell Associates is a striking example of sustainable coastal architecture. Completed in 2024, this 721 m² seaside retreat is designed to accommodate two families along with their extended relatives and friends, providing a harmonious balance between privacy and communal living. Set against the wild North Cornish coast, the home maximizes panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, sky, and sandy beach while seamlessly integrating into the cliffside landscape.

Architectural Concept and Site Integration

The project was guided by a twin brief, ensuring that the design could satisfy the distinct needs of two families while maintaining a unified architectural language. From the exterior, the house is intentionally recessive, embedded deeply into its cliffside site. The ground floor "plinth" is crafted from locally sourced stone, reflecting the site’s history as a former quarry, while the copper-clad first floor overhang develops a natural blue-green patina over time due to marine exposure. These durable materials were carefully selected to ensure longevity while blending harmoniously with the coastal environment.

Interior Design and Family-Centric Layout

Inside, the residence prioritizes family-oriented spaces and breathtaking Atlantic vistas. The ground floor features a sequence of interconnected entertainment areas, including a spacious living room that flows into a family kitchen and dining space, a children’s playroom, a vitality pool, and specialized surf-changing and drying facilities. Central to the plan is a dramatic curved timber staircase positioned beneath a circular roof lantern, drawing natural light deep into the home while enabling cross-ventilation during summer months.

The interiors embrace a natural material palette, including timber, stone, and Cornish clay plaster, creating a warm, textured, and inviting environment that balances sophistication with casual family living. Every detail—from joinery to finishes—reflects meticulous craftsmanship and material integrity, ensuring both comfort and durability.

Landscape and Environmental Considerations

The project is deeply rooted in sustainability and environmental sensitivity. The pre-existing tiered garden, with its hand-laid stone walls and paths, was preserved and enhanced, promoting biodiversity and integrating the house sympathetically into its natural surroundings. A prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure reduces the building’s carbon footprint, while heavily insulated walls, a high-efficiency ventilation system with heat recovery, a ground-source heat pump, and a roof-mounted solar array optimize energy performance.

Sustainability and Legacy

Through careful detailing, material selection, and a strong focus on low-carbon construction, the Two-Family House establishes itself as a sustainable seaside retreat designed to provide joy, comfort, and shared experiences for generations. Its architectural language celebrates the rugged beauty of North Cornwall while offering a modern, resilient, and environmentally conscious home.

All Photographs are works of Tristan Stocker, John Hersey Studio