The Mermaids
Underground House

A unique design perched on the edge of the North Cornish coastline, this underground project provides a large new living area with a 15m glazed facade hidden below a grass roof. Penetrating the roof is a stainless steel cockpit that provides views onto the dramatic coastline. The scheme was recommended for approval by the planners on the grounds of good design, even though it is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The mass of the structure is buried below the natural ground level, but due to the steep fall of the land, it allows one facade of the building to provide dramatic views across the valley. The 15m full height glass facade provides good natural daylight, with sliding glass doors providing access onto an elevated deck area overlooking a sunken garden.

Glazing units in the roof are fitted flush to the lawn above to provide an elegant solution to providing natural daylight into the rear of the building. The finishes create a contemporary interior with the use of marble floors, white walls and stainless steel and glass staircase which lead to the cockpit. The advanced lighting system with mood control adds a further dimension to this building.