Rising from the undulating plains that overlook England’s dramatic Southwest coastline, a family home is carved into the local topography.
With a philosophy guided by designing sustainable homes, coupled with 40 years of practice in the British countryside and overseas, McLean Quinlan has conceived a new family home in North Devon that endures the diverse climate conditions of its setting. Passivhaus principles are embedded into the design, making the home highly insulated as an airtight thermal envelope is integrated, McLean Quinlan director Alastair Bowden explains.
Challenged by a sloping site, Bay House is layered over three levels, with a rectangular floor plan that curves along the bend of the road while maximising its outlook. However, its tiered structure is not immediately revealed from the outset, as it is intricately woven within the site. Designed for an active family with a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors, the ground floor is arranged “so occupants can arrive from a day’s adventure and place bikes, surfboards or muddy boots away in the garage and utility spaces,” Bowden says.
In the kitchen, Carl Hansen & Søn CH58 bar stools by Hans J. Wegner are tucked under the kitchen island designed by Kitchen Architecture.
In the main living room, a B&B Italia Charles sofa by Antonio Citterio, Louis Poulsen AJ floor light, and Stûv 22-90 fireplace.
With an inverted floor plan, the ground level features the living areas, where both sides of the home open to outdoor terraces and courtyards, taking advantage of the coastline views on one side and the bucolic landscape on the other. From this elevated level, towards the southeast end of the home, the bedrooms are dispersed from the ground level down to the lower levels. A yoga studio, plant room and another living room are also located on these lower levels.
Along the home’s parameters, every opportunity is maximised to frame the vistas of the ocean and the valley through vast expanses of glazing. These floor-to-ceiling apertures found especially on the ground level help to “flood the home with natural light, giving a feeling of being simultaneously among the elements yet protected from the prevailing winds and weather”, Bowden describes.
The material selections are made to connect the home with its environment and regional vernacular, while withstanding the harsh conditions. Externally, Pale Purbeck stone is used to resist the tough climate, with its sandy tones complementing the surrounding dunes. In consultation with landscape architects, Eden Design, grey granite is paired with native coastal grasses, helping the home to nestle further into the hillside. Inside, an insulating cocoon is created as oak is generously applied to the walls, floors, ceilings, and custom cabinetry.
Articulated with material restraint and spatial generosity, Bay House is what Bowden describes as a ‘gentle giant’, serving its owners with a constant connection with its environment.
In the study, the Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad chair by Charles and Ray Eames is tucked under Dinesen Stand, accompanied by a B&B Italia Beverly ’14 armchair by Antonio Citterio, and Wästberg Holocene lighting.
The bathroom features a Lusso Monaco bathtub with Cocoon tapware by John Pawson, walls rendered in Tadelakt paint in White Iceberg, and Mosa tiles.
In the primary bedroom, a Flexform Gregory bed by Antonio Citterio is illuminated by a Heathfield&Co Rae pendant and LedsC4 Gamma Extend light, and paired with a Porro Comodino Offshore bedside table by Piero Lissoni and Carl Hansen & Søn CH07 Shell easy chair by Hans J. Wegner.
Pictured in the outdoor terrace is a pair of Carl Hansen & Søn AH603 outdoor deck chairs by Alfred Homann.
