New build house by Van Ellen + Sheryn is nearing completion in Salcombe, Devon

The scheme received planning permission in 2017, and is being constructed by Goulden and Sons Ltd, a Totnes based project management company. The whole house has been constructed using NuDura insulated concrete formwork. These large lightweight building blocks are used to assemble an entire storey within the space of a week, ready for a single pour of concrete. In this manner a house can be built up to roof level in a manner of weeks, and by its nature is water-tight, warm and very durable. The Fell partnership, a Dartmoor based company, advised and assisted in the use of this non-traditional construction method.

Located in a wooded area of coastline above South Sands in Salcombe, the architectural aesthetic chosen uses natural materials in a simple palette to reflect their surroundings. Therefore the predominant material is timber cladding, used in panels of either thick planks or narrow battens, to give variety. White render and stone make up the rest of the palette, though key areas are finished in a bright rust-red Corten steel. This will add colour and character to the neutral tones of wood and stone.

Sitting at the top of a steeply sloping site and overlooking the Salcombe estuary, a key design driver was maximising the view and connection with the garden, and large areas of glazing were provided. The house is entered at first floor, with living and kitchen areas at this level. A large balcony directly off these spaces was therefore critical. Below this the bedrooms are sheltered by the overhang – giving protection and privacy. The central entrance hall forms an axis off-of which all rooms flow, and the full-height glazing at both ends gives an immediate view of the sea upon entering the house.

Construction is due to complete by the end of summer 2019, and we look forward to seeing the completed house in Devon sunshine! For more information on this project, or to discuss your own, please contact us or visit our website.

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