This extension and refurbishment to a 1920’s granite cottage above Cornwall’s Sennen Cove has transformed the house, removing mid-century accretions to reveal a robust shell. The extension is conceived as a rippling wave : three pitches with ridges running parallel to the house. The single storey form is spaced off the existing cottage by a flat roofed entrance zone. From the road, the slate–roofed extension sits subservient in scale to the two storey cottage.

Entered via a new recessed front door and walled courtyard set into the hillside, the link between old and new frames a first view of the sea. Internally the timber lined roof hovers over a deep kitchen/living room bounded by slate walls to the north; full height, west facing glazing gives mesmerising views over Sennen Cove. The old cottage has been simply restored, allowing the evolution of the site to be clearly read. Viewed from Sennen, Pengwynver respects its context – the glass and slate disappear into the hillside unlike so many jarring contemporary interventions. This building allows the addition of spaces and services without denying the structure which has endured the best part of a century in this exposed setting.

These where the words of RIBA J, the RIBA Journal in voting Pengwynver a winner of its 2018 awards. Designed by Stan Bolt:Architect for clients Mr and Mrs Lewis, Airey and Coles were appointed to go on the creative journey with the clients and Architects to produce a truly wonderful and spectacular dwelling. The location required a robust and durable solution, the design requested a sensitive and delicate intervention. Airey and Coles worked closely with the Architect to produce a structural solution which meet the brief on all fronts. The result is a well considered, coordinated and delivered project.