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Nestled into the contours of the coastal slope and surrounded as far as the eye can see in open pasture, Seacombe emerges from the landscape to address the broad panorama of land, sea and sky that forms its natural setting.

Seacombe’s simple volume is clearly articulated and expressed in a rendered plinth forming the principal communal spaces, timber clad box above, housing bedrooms and open plan circulation area which doubles up as a contemplation space, and monopitch zinc roof, all of which reflect and compliment its setting with modest assurance. All the principal communal spaces engage directly with the environment through terraces and balconies. External retaining walls are clad with stone, reclaimed from the site excavations and the dwelling’s environmental strategy relies on its direct engagement with its site in the provision of ground source heating.

The interrelationship and creative dialogue between the ‘work’ and its ‘site’ is explored and encouraged at every opportunity and at all levels, and the jury were hugely impressed by the appropriateness of the architectural proposition and the repose of the dwelling in the landscape.