A secluded Passive House shaped by woodland, water and shelter.
Location
Type
Size
Status
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Cornwall
Passive House
280 m²
Pre-construction
Location
Cornwall
Size
280 m²
The site lies within a steep wooded valley, enclosed by mature oak and opening only in limited directions towards the creek beyond. The setting is both beautiful and constrained, with filtered light, a pronounced slope and a sense of enclosure that shapes how the house can sit within it.
The project replaces an existing dwelling, retaining a similar footprint while reorienting the building to engage more directly with the landscape. The challenge was to balance outlook and shelter, creating a home that could open towards light and views while remaining protected within the valley.
The house is arranged as two simple volumes aligned along the contours of the site. The lower, single-storey form contains the main living space and extends outward towards the creek, while a taller volume sits against the hillside, providing a more enclosed setting for bedrooms. Together, they establish a clear relationship between exposure and retreat.
The approach is deliberately understated. The house is revealed gradually, with only glimpses visible from the track above before the building emerges between the trees. The final approach is made on foot, crossing a small stream before arriving at the entrance.
Internally, spaces are shaped by light and outlook. The main living area is open and expansive, with long views extending through the valley, while more intimate rooms are positioned to feel sheltered and quiet. The arrangement supports both shared living and moments of retreat, responding to the rhythms of everyday life.
The building is designed to achieve Passive House standards, using a fabric-first approach to ensure consistent comfort and low energy demand throughout the year. Careful consideration of orientation, glazing and construction allows the house to perform reliably within a challenging setting, creating a stable internal environment despite the variability of the surrounding landscape.
Materials are chosen to sit quietly within the woodland. Stone anchors the building to the ground, while dark timber allows the upper volumes to recede into shadow. The architecture is deliberately restrained, allowing the landscape to remain the primary focus.
The result is a house that brings clarity to a complex site, creating a calm and comfortable place to live within a highly sensitive landscape.
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.