Riviera Gardens, St Mawes, Cornwall

This extremely complex project was developed in close collaboration between architect and client and showcases unmatched views over the Fal Estuary and Carrick Roads. Addressing the challenges of replacing a small holiday-let bungalow on very steeply sloping ground, the new dwelling now presents a three-bedroom, permanent residence on multiple levels. The ground floor provides access to parking and garage space, a roof-top garden and the building entrance, from where internal stairs and a lift access the first and second floors. The design evolved to be sympathetic to the context of the site and uses stepped-back levels and broken roof forms to reduce the sense of scale and mass. Inherent site constraints informed both the design and construction process and included the retention of significant areas of mature and established planting. Landscaping was an integral part of the design and green roof technology has been utilised on both the upper floor barrel roof and above the garage. Riviera Gardens was ‘Highly Commended’ in the LABC South West Building Excellence Awards 2022. Photographs: Stephen Brownhill