Sweeping, cinematic, and utterly captivating, it is the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. Once a bungalow, the property had been on the market for a long time, and it was hiding an undeniable asset: the incredible sea view.
Sharing a natural synergy with its rugged coastal surroundings, the design brings the outside in and captures natural light from every angle. The architect was asked to reimagine a family home that would "blend in" with its environment - one that embraced the landscape and opened fully to the sea.
A Leap of Faith
The site came with challenges - difficult access and complex logistics - and it soon became clear that “there weren’t many builders that could or would touch it.” Once the plans went live, “Ben found us”, taking the initiative to contact the architect, Piers Taylor of Invisible Studio, directly. He was proactive and undeterred.
Ben took [owner] to visit a previous project, showcasing poured concrete floors and design details with a similar feel. Choosing a builder “is a leap of faith” but Ben’s calm presence instilled instant confidence, along with an unshakeable sense that “he’s done it before, and it’ll be fine.” A project journey is about a good working relationship of trust, and the strength of this relationship was evident from the early stages.
Working with such a visionary architect was refreshing. Rather than starting with room count, he focused on the movement of light and the life in the local community. The resulting home feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Every detail was hand-drawn and uniquely designed; nothing about this build was standard.
One-of-a-Kind
Translating this one-of-a-kind vision into a physical structure was no small feat. From start to finish, it required a blend of skilled tradespeople - each an expert in their craft, bringing precision and creative thinking to fine-tune every technical detail.
Built into a narrow, steeply sloping site, the structure is purposely tiered; every room has a view of the sea and is flooded with natural light. The site is challenging, requiring complex logistics from day one.
Named “House with Courtyards” by the architect, Piers Taylor, the design features multiple outdoor spaces which are sheltered from the Cornish weather. Working with someone who understood the local coastal conditions - the salt air, strong winds, and sea - was essential. That’s why having Harbour Construction on board made all the difference.
Unique Craftmanship
There are marvels of engineering in all corners of this home.
Every element is considered - from salvaged materials to hidden construction innovations. An internal bridge transitions from the front door to the expansive beach view, while overhead, the roofscape features sixteen irregularly pitched copper roofs. Each pitch is different, requiring skilled metalworkers. As the copper begins to oxidise, a soft turquoise patina reflects the home’s exposure to the natural elements.
A wall of wood-shuttered concrete hugs the stairwell, poured in three precise layers to leave behind a timber-grain imprint on its surface. A concrete kitchen island defies gravity, with an overhang that floats effortlessly. Glazed aperture windows are positioned to channel natural light deep into the upper levels, where clouds drift past like a “permanently moving TV”. The reclaimed hanging slate exterior was sourced by Ben from a manor house near Saltash, wrapping the building’s modern silhouette in a layer of historic Cornwall.
Despite the abundance of glass, this is an energy-efficient home. The concrete structure acts like a battery, absorbing warmth from the sun and releasing it slowly over time.
Moments of Magic
Demolition day was thrilling. The project was a long time in groundworks; watching the steel structure rise and the plaster go on the walls - “that’s when the magic happened”.
Behind the unfolding magic was a team navigating inevitable project challenges. Even with obstacles - from Brexit supply chain issues to COVID disruptions - Harbour Construction delivered. The team problem-solved together every step of the way. “Ollie the Foreman was amazing”, providing steady site leadership throughout the build.
Over 18 months, the consistent team became familiar faces; each contributing to an atmosphere of mutual respect and camaraderie. The owners recall that Billie, always smiling, carried buckets up from Surfside for days during the build. Even the feathery site friend, a robin they affectionately named Keith, became a welcome part of the team.
As the build neared completion, Ben peeled the protective film from the large windows and shared a photo of the panoramic sunset view. It was a small act, but one that captured the enormity of what had been built. Another example of continued thoughtfulness, through to project completion.
Blending In
Every space, every material speaks to a shared vision between the homeowners, the architect, and Harbour Construction. It was a process rooted in trust and shared creativity.
Colour palette and material choices were central to the vision; the owners weren’t dreaming of a white house that doesn’t fit in. Every element has been considered. Featuring subtle, earthy tones designed to blend with the natural surroundings, the home takes inspiration from the nearby lichen, sand and slate. Large Delabole Slate boulders throughout the home solidify the symbiosis of the building and the land.
The owners “fell in love with the whole thing”. It’s a family home that will be with them forever - they describe the journey “with an amazing team” as “exciting, positive” and something they’re really proud of.
Be Present, Be Involved, Be Excited
Ben stayed with it and stayed close to it. He “didn’t sell us the dream, put in a foreman and then waltz away to another build”. There was project ownership from start to finish. It felt like a “personal project” for him.
The Harbour Construction team speaks volumes about their leadership and curation of skilled tradespeople. The team “are all such lovely people, they genuinely like working together.”
“That football team mentality doesn’t just happen. It comes with direction, confidence and thought. There is a real team spirit and level of responsibility. Ben is happy to get his hands dirty and is really respected by his team.”
For others considering a similar journey, their advice is simple: “If you’re going to commit, really do it. Be present, be involved, and be excited.” Looking back, they say with certainty that it was without a doubt the best thing they ever did.
From the hidden view to a home that fully embraces the sea - this is a blueprint that is now cast in concrete, crowned by copper and filled with light.
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