Location: Salcombe, East Coast, UK
Scale: 3-bedroom house and an amphibious out-house
Constraints: Flood zones 2-3, conservation area
Photography Credits: Darren Chung & Tim Crocker
In Cottles Quay, Salcombe, rests our second pioneering amphibious house, a quiet evolution of the UK’s journey toward living with water.
Set within a former stone garden store overlooking the estuary, this project reimagines a historic site into a flood-resilient home that embraces both heritage and innovation.
The brief was simple but ambitious: to create a modern coastal dwelling that could withstand the challenges of rising sea levels while enhancing its natural setting.
The design process centred on adaptive reuse and environmental innovation. The existing stone structure, once a garden shop, was retained to preserve its local character and minimise environmental impact.
A new first-floor extension with a contemporary pitched roof was added, seamlessly integrating old and new elements. To address the site’s vulnerability to flooding, the building envelope was strengthened with a waterproof concrete inner lining and fitted with flood-resistant doors and windows.
Simultaneously, the former boat shed was completely reimagined as an amphibious studio, reconstructed within its original footprint and height. Set on a buoyant timber-framed base, the studio is designed to float safely during extreme high tides.
The surrounding courtyard was reprofiled to form a subtle causeway link between the main dwelling and studio, allowing continuous access even as the water level rises.
This thoughtful process embodies sustainable coastal living, preserving heritage while embracing resilience and innovation.
Inside, the space opens up to reveal a double-height living area filled with reflections from the estuary beyond.
Expansive glazing on both floors invites light to dance across the interior, dissolving the boundary between inside and out.
Every detail, from the floating studio to the flood-proof finishes, reflects our commitment to sustainable architecture in the UK and to designing homes that adapt gracefully to their environment.
The result is a flood-resilient, contemporary home that celebrates the beauty and unpredictability of life by the water.
