Kai Tak House, Cornwall England, Architecture, Award Winning Cornish Property, English Holiday Home Photos

Kai Tak House in Cornwall

11 Jan 2022

Design: Cassell Tarring

Location: Polzeath, Cornwall, south west England, UK

Photos: Daniel Fisher

Kai Tak House, England

Kai Tak is a contemporary holiday home located in Polzeath, Cornwall. The development appears to perch over the edge of its stone plinth to maximise its unique dual aspect of countryside and coastal views.

Perching on a stone plinth is the award-winning Kai Tak. Its striking yet simple form echoes the gable-ended traditional Cornish vernacular of the house that once stood in its place. A locally sourced slate plinth grows from the existing Cornish hedge forming the lower ground floor and anchoring the building into its site.

The client’s aspiration was to unlock the site’s potential through a unique and architecturally driven approach to achieve high end coastal living with maximised coastal views. The proposal resulted in a building with a modern yet timeless form that is characterised by oversized glazed openings and deep set cut outs. This is complimented by a paired back material palette and minimal contemporary detailing that possesses a commitment to quality and longevity.

The project was awarded both the ‘Best Architecture Single Residence Southwest’ and ‘Best Architecture Single Residence United Kingdom’ in the UK Property Awards 2020-2021.

The award-winning house is split over three levels. The main open plan living spaces are located on the raised ground floor taking advantage of properties dual aspect views. Key to the circulation and flow of spaces is an open tread feature staircase that visually connects the ground floor to the first floor floating mezzanine, known as the Sunset Snug, which takes prime position to capture the dramatic ocean views.

A 10-ton cantilevered locally sourced stone chimney runs up through both the ground and first floor providing a sense of vertical continuity between the spaces. The lower ground floor benefits from a games room with direct garden access plus a luxury spa which frames the far reaching countryside views and includes a sauna and sunken jacuzzi for when returning back from the beach.

Natural and low embodied energy building materials are used throughout the design, locally sourced Cornish stone forms both the plinth and chimney, while the sustainably sourced timber frame was constructed by local trades and craftsmen. The envelope of the building is airtight and highly insulated, exceeding all building regulation requirements.

Passive heating and cooling is achieved through an open, front-to-back floor plan which enables control of natural ventilation and the ability to utilise the coastal prevailing winds to keep it cool during the summer. Large, glazed openings combine with deep overhangs to maximise the building’s solar gain during the cooler months whilst remaining cool in the summer. An air source heat pump provides a renewable energy source to the property.

Kai Tak House in Cornwall, England – Building Information

Architect: Cassell Tarring
Structural Engineer: PCA Consulting

Project size: 459 m2
Site size: 776 m2
Completion date: 2020
Building levels: 3

Furnishing: Pebble Design
Contractor: Terry Harris & Sons

Photographs: Daniel Fisher

Kai Tak House, Cornwall England images / information received 110122

Location: Polzeath, Cornwall, south west England, UK

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