A secluded Passive House set within a wooded valley on the south coast of Cornwall
Location
Cornwall
Size
280 m²
Location
Cornwall
Size
280 m²
Type
Passive House
Status
Pre-construction
The house sits at the end of a long descent through mature oak woodland above Pont Creek. From the road, only the roof is visible through the trees before the track drops into the valley and the building appears between the trunks of veteran oaks.
Arrival is completed on foot across a small stream. The sound of water and birdsong defines the setting from the outset.
The replacement dwelling occupies a similar footprint to the former house, but is reoriented to engage more directly with the creek and surrounding woodland.
Two Barns
The house is formed as two simple barn volumes aligned along the contours of the valley side.
The single-storey barn contains the main living space and addresses the creek and open views. Behind it, a taller two-storey volume sits against the hillside and holds the bedrooms.
Together the forms balance outlook and shelter. One opens towards water and light while the other offers protection against the wooded slope.
Recessive Materials
Materials are chosen to sit quietly within the landscape.
The lower barn and terrace are clad in local stone, grounding the building in the valley floor. The upper volume is finished in black timber, allowing it to recede into the shadow of the trees. Both are capped with natural slate roofs.
Large fixed corner windows frame views along the creek and into the woodland, allowing the landscape to be experienced in comfort rather than fully exposed.
Shelter
The primary living space occupies the single-storey barn, where filtered daylight enters through the canopy and long views extend towards the water.
A generous roof overhang forms a sheltered entrance porch, leading to a practical threshold space for boots, coats and river gear. Inside, the open-plan living space feels expansive yet protected, connected to the woodland while remaining comfortably enclosed.
Bedrooms in the upper barn are quieter and more intimate, with framed views towards the creek and a closer relationship to the hillside behind.
Comfort
Designed as a certified Passive House, the building prioritises consistent comfort, clean air and low energy use throughout the year.
Careful control of glazing, orientation and fabric performance ensures the house remains comfortable within its west- and north-facing valley setting. The result is a home that lives lightly within its landscape; deeply connected to nature, yet protected from its harsher conditions.
Designed by David Jones while a Director at KAST Architects.
If you are considering a new home or a sensitive project of your own, we would be delighted to hear from you.