We’re delighted to share that Long Cove, a contemporary coastal home designed by our award-winning architectural designers in Cornwall, has been elevated to 5-star status at the UK Property Awards.
The project received Best Architecture – Single Residence, while our practice was also recognised with Best Architectural Website. While awards are always welcome, our focus remains firmly on delivering exceptional architecture in Cornwall—helping homeowners and developers create beautifully designed, sustainable homes that enhance their setting and stand the test of time.
Long Cove replaces a modest 1940s brick bungalow with a carefully designed new-build coastal home in Cornwall for a family of wildlife filmmakers. Situated within the Porthcothan Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the project demanded a sensitive architectural response—one that respected its landscape while delivering modern comfort and performance.
The brief called for a high-performance, sustainable home, inspired by traditional Cornish stone and slate architecture, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, energy efficiency, and long-term resilience.
The house is composed of three interlocking architectural volumes, reducing visual mass and responding to neighbouring rooflines—an approach well suited to sensitive planning contexts in Cornwall. Carefully positioned north-facing glazing frames expansive sea views, while deep overhangs, recessed fenestration, and a restrained material palette allow the building to integrate seamlessly into its coastal environment.
The sloping site is used strategically, enabling additional floor space through a cut-into-the-hill design. Principal living areas are orientated towards north-east sea views, while light channels on the sunnier southern elevation draw daylight deep into the plan, creating bright, energy-efficient interiors.
Long Cove demonstrates how sustainable architecture in Cornwall can transform a poor-performing building into a future-proof home. The original G-rated bungalow has been replaced with a low-energy dwelling incorporating:
A dedicated landscape strategy delivers measurable biodiversity net gain, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility beyond the building fabric.
Metters & Wellby provided a complete architectural service, covering concept design, planning, technical detailing, interior design, and project management. We continue to oversee construction with bi-weekly site visits, ensuring design intent, detailing quality, and build performance are maintained throughout.
Our interior designer Amanda and technical detailing lead Sam worked closely to integrate client aspirations with planning and building regulation requirements, delivering a cohesive architectural and interior solution.
Local Cornish craftsmen and suppliers were prioritised, reinforcing authenticity in material choice and finish—an essential part of delivering high-quality residential architecture in Cornwall.
Construction is now underway, with our team providing close on-site coordination as the design is realised.
“James has delivered an absolutely outstanding design… we are so grateful to your whole team… and now we are so excited to bring it to life!”
— Client feedback
Projects like Long Cove reflect our wider ambition as award-winning architects in Cornwall: to define luxury residential architecture through bespoke homes that combine timeless design, sustainability, and a deep connection to place.
