The regeneration of Hayle’s North Quay replaces dereliction and inaccessibility with opportunities for all to benefit from the town’s exceptional beauty, inspirational history, and access to nature. To reflect the Hilltop’s proximity to the Port of Hayle World Heritage Site, we have developed a material palette, site plan, and building design that allow the development to disappear into the landscape, preserving impeccable views across the estuary in both directions.

Using 3D modelling of the terrain, the houses were strategically positioned to maintain key viewing corridors of the cliff edge and the dunes behind, reducing the visual impact  on the dunescape and maintaining views from across the estuary.

Informal clusters of homes, positioned in naturally lower portions of the undulating topography, create the potential for rich landscaping in between, with the street layout responding to the natural contours of the cliff edge.

The building design reflects the local context both in form and material choice. The modest yet varied forms echo the homes found in the nearby Towans area, and the properties are clad in a combination of Cornish stone and natural timber.

A variety of roofing materials have been used, including Cornish slate, metal standing seam roofs reflecting Hayle’s industrial heritage, and sedum (green) flat roofs, further integrating the homes into the wider context.

Houses are arranged to maximise estuary views from the living areas, many of which are on the first floor. And of course, each home is equipped with an external store for bicycles or surf gear.