A striking new-build home balancing modern architectural ambition with sensitivity to its coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) setting.
Key Features: AONB Site, Contextual 3D Modelling, Vaulted Ceilings, Glazed Gables
Location: Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Sector: Private Residential / New-Build
Scope: Full Architectural Services (RIBA Stages 0-5)
The Challenge: Designing within an AONB
Located on a prominent seafront plot in the coastal village of Rhosneigr, Anglesey, our brief was to design a dream new-build beach house.
Because the site is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the primary challenge was ensuring that the natural beauty of the surroundings was not just conserved, but actively enhanced. Any new structure in this environment faces strict scrutiny regarding its massing, aesthetic impact, and integration into the existing coastal landscape.
The Solution: Creative Collaboration and Contextual Modelling
To navigate the strict planning constraints, we initiated early and ongoing discussions with the local authority.
Rather than relying on standard 2D drawings, we presented our concept options using highly accurate photomontages. By superimposing our 3D building model directly onto photographs of the beach, we provided the Council with a realistic representation of the final build.
When the Council expressed reservations about the overall height of the building’s massing, we used this feedback as a catalyst for a creative design solution. We introduced a section of flat roof along the main ridge. This successfully reduced the overall height to secure planning approval, while simultaneously emphasizing the striking features of the gable ends.
The Result: A Light-Filled Coastal Retreat
Using a modern palette of materials, we delivered a visually stunning home that feels intimately connected to its environment.
The steep roof pitch allowed us to maximize the extensive glazing. The predominantly glazed gables flood the internal spaces with natural sunlight while framing uninterrupted, panoramic views of the beach. Inside, the combination of large windows and vaulted ceilings ensures the bedroom spaces feel exceptionally grand and spacious.
Great effort was dedicated to the aesthetic design and proportions of the home, referencing the golden ratio to create a visually interesting composition that we are immensely proud of. The delivery of the project was exceptional, realized through an acute eye for detail and excellent craftsmanship.
