Bay House

Project Info

A calm, grounded response to its coastal setting, Bay House balances contemporary architectural language with a deep respect for place.

Set into a steep hillside within the North Devon Coast National Landscape, the design responds directly to the site’s natural topography. A softly curving form follows the contours of the land, creating a house that feels unearthed rather than imposed.

The project is a celebration of materiality and craft. Thick stone walls, echoing the nearby slate cliffs, give the house a sense of permanence and protection. Inside, the palette is pared back and tactile: lime plaster, sawn oak and natural stone bring warmth and texture, allowing light and landscape to take centre stage. Deeply recessed openings frame views of the sea, while a planted courtyard dissolves the threshold between inside and out.

 The spatial arrangement is composed to create rhythm and contrast, moving between expansiveness and intimacy, light and shelter. Living spaces are located above, opening westward to capture the coastal light and panoramic views, and eastward, where large openings lead directly into the landscape, allowing a seamless transition into the gardens.

Below, the snug and bedrooms are tucked into the hillside, quiet, sheltered spaces, each with a private connection to the garden.

Longevity and sustainability shaped every decision. Durable, natural materials and a highly insulated fabric are combined with all-electric systems powered by ground-source heat pumps and solar panels. A layered ecological landscape invites wildlife back in, supporting biodiversity and natural processes throughout the site.