Morlanow

Morlanow was conceived as an experimental self-build home, designed as a test-bed for a variety of architectural ideas rooted in Cornish vernacular and material identity. Its aim was to transform the derelict stable and store buildings into a structure that is well-crafted, permanent, and reflective of its context. The design prioritises natural light while ensuring privacy, creating a timber-lined cocoon that offers a tranquil retreat from the busy residential crossroads. The layout comprises four interconnected rooms across three levels.
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Natural and unprocessed materials were prioritised throughout the project. A timber frame was constructed within the retained stone walls, with new stonework added to the road-facing elevations. Trevillett stone was left as raw as possible to showcase the material's inherent beauty, featuring rough-sawn faces and back-bedded mortar to echo the textures of Falmouth’s quaysides and drystone walls. Carnmenellis granite was used for key crafted elements, including a large drill-marked lintel and a hand-carved staddle stone supporting the external larch-clad store.
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The design reflects careful attention to detail, optimising the small space for maximum efficiency while celebrating the raw beauty of natural materials. Though modest in scale, the project represents a thoughtful exploration of a new urban interpretation of Cornish vernacular architecture.