Below is a time-lapse video of the construction of VESP architects’ recently completed Labrador Bay House. It’s a great insight into the work that went into creating this spectacular new home on the cliff tops of South Devon.
The house was designed to nestle into the landscape; From the entrance it is experienced as a single storey stone wall that forms a barrier between the viewer and the sea view beyond. Above this, floating planar roofs sail over the stone and provide a glimpse of the light, glassy architecture that faces the sea.
The natural slope of the site promoted upside-down living, where the main spaces were elevated above the garden below, and could enjoy the panoramic views over the clifftop. Sleeping accommodation is located within the ground floor areas, which are built back into the earth.
The house is divided into three main volumes; kitchen and dining, entrance and living, and bedroom and gym. Each volume has its own over-sailing roof structure, finished in black zinc above and natural timber below. Between these, flat-roofed linking corridors connect the spaces, finished in coastal planting. The seaward facing side of the house is highly glazed, with sliding aluminium doors and floor to ceiling glass, to open up the house to the view and garden. Elements of the stone wall can also be read here as plinths beneath the first floor glazed elements. Dark timber cladding has been used to form the solid elements of the first floor areas – further helping the house to blend into its wooded surroundings.
Although highly contemporary and unique, the planning authority and parish council were in full support of the design, and the house gained planning permission as a replacement dwelling in 2020. Construction began in January 2021 and was completed November 2022.
For more information, or to discuss your own project, please contact us here.
VESP is the exciting new face of van Ellen + Sheryn architects. Since 2006, we have established ourselves as one of the leading RIBA Chartered Architects in Devon and the South West. Our rebranding recognises the growth of the company and the talented team of architects and designers in our studio. VESP design contemporary, high-quality architecture that roots itself in the sensitive landscapes of coast and moorland. For more information, visit our about us page.
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