Blog.
In the early 1900s many dwellings were constructed around the Cornish coastline for families to use as holiday homes. Prior to the planning regulations we have today, it was possible to build in some fantastic locations around the coast. These buildings did not particularly attempt to blend in with their surroundings, often using white render as a finish to stand out against the landscape. Prior to this the Victorians took full advantage of the spectacular coastal landscape, constructing many grand buildings in prominent locations.
There are a variety of large detached dwellings dotted along the South West Coastal Path from St Ives to Carbis Bay which predominantly utilise this familiar palette of materials. These includes;
- Slate roof tiles and copings. Slate tile hanging is also used on a number of the older properties
- Timber Boarding
- Natural stone
- Light Render
- Feature glazing and glass balustrading.
Grey Zinc Roofs
The use of natural materials provides a muted colour palette that compliments the existing landscape. The Cornish stone replicates its natural surroundings in tones of greys, oranges and browns, whilst the timber cladding has weathered over time to match the wooded setting. The use of light coloured render provides the perfect contrast to these materials.
Although a relatively uniform palette of materials is used on both the old and new properties, a significant difference can be identified in the amount of glazing used. The new contemporary properties include much larger areas of glazing compared to older properties as we are now able to create buildings that perform more efficiently from a thermal perspective. The large expanses of glazing allow for panoramic views of the coastline, whilst being able to frame the idyllic views of the adjacent landscape. This combination of contemporary architecture uses the latest innovation and materials combined with traditional materials that roots the dwellings into their setting.
The coastal path culminates at Carbis Bay Beach, which is accessed via a footpath through the Carbis Bay Estate. The landscaping plays a fundamental role in concealing the development within the existing landscape when viewed from the coastal path.
When viewed from above, the roofscape is softened by the use of both dark grey zinc and green roofs. This palette of materials gives the development a muted recessive appearance within the existing landscape, helping to limit the visual impact in what is an extremely sensitive location. The use of planted gardens at coast path level, helps to further dissolve the building into the landscape, from both the coast path and the beach.
The use of split levels throughout the various elements of the design, allows the development to follow the gradients of its topographically changing location on the hillside of Carbis Bay Beach. This location held the G& conference in 2021. For more details on this follow this link – https://byjusexamprep.com/current-affairs/carbis-bay-declaration
I would suggest the material choices have also been heavily influenced by the development’s location. On the coast path side, the materials are predominantly timber and stone which suit the more earthy feel of the landscape around the coast path and on the seaward side the facade is clad and constructed in timber giving a softer, more natural materiality. The timber has now begun to weather slightly, giving it a natural colour allowing it to blend more sympathetically with the backdrop of the hillside.
The hotel is also known for its commitments to sustainability. The demonstration of their duty of care to the beach itself, its surroundings and marine life, over many years, has led to the achievement of the coveted Blue Flag status and in recent years, this has been complemented by the Seaside Award. Their on-going development of the beach to secure the longevity of the Bay has seen the installation of sea defences through a bespoke solution that was noted for its sustainable approach.
Recent initiatives have included a fully commissioned on-site energy centre with 2 x 35kw combined heat and power units, providing energy for the entire site – the hotel, spa, beach lodges, ocean venue, beach club complex, apartments, suites and cottages. This has eliminated at least 12 boilers and providing a carbon saving of approximately 70 tonnes per annum.
It is believed to be the first hotel in the world to have installed pathways and a promenade made from recycled plastics from the ocean, using, to date, the equivalent of some 3.5 million plastic straws.
As a final thought, by placing less emphasis on the more decorative and ornamental elements, modern architecture utilises definite clear lines, geometric forms and patterns to create very aesthetically pleasing buildings. As captured by the photos, this evident on many of the buildings along the costal path.
This blog was created by Jack Mellor.
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